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Showstopper Red Velvet Cheesecake with Creamy Swirl

A thick slice of red velvet cheesecake with marbled red cake and cream cheese layers, topped with whipped cream.

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Make this rich, creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake that features a velvety red velvet base and a smooth cheesecake layer. This recipe is simple to follow and creates a stunning dessert perfect for holidays or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar (for cheesecake)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for cheesecake)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (for cheesecake)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for cheesecake)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (for cheesecake)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for cheesecake)
  • 1 large egg (for cheesecake)
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (for cheesecake)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for red velvet layer)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (for red velvet layer)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for red velvet layer)
  • 1 large egg (for red velvet layer)
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (for red velvet layer)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
  • 3 large eggs (for filling)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oreo Crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool while you prepare the batters.
  2. Make the Red Velvet Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt for the red velvet layer. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the red food coloring until the color is uniform. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Beat in the three large eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix the filling.
  4. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled Oreo crust. Gently spoon dollops of the red velvet batter over the cheesecake layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the red velvet batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect.
  5. Bake: Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this is a water bath). Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
  6. Cool: Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
  7. Prepare the Topping: Before serving, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve this decadent cheesecake dessert.

Notes

  • For the creamiest texture, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing the filling.
  • If you skip the water bath, you risk cracks on the surface of your cheesecake.
  • This recipe works well as a holiday cheesecake idea when topped with white chocolate shavings or festive sprinkles.

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