Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake
The Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake is a festive holiday dessert combining the creamy, tangy richness of classic cheesecake with the vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor of traditional red velvet cake. Ideal for holiday gatherings, it features a smooth texture and striking presentation that impresses effortlessly, making it a perfect centerpiece or individual treat during the festive season.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust used, otherwise contains gluten)
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring (preferably gel)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or heavy cream
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or cake base crumbs
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Optional Toppings
- Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream
- Red velvet crumbs
- White chocolate curls
- Edible glitter
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries
- Crushed peppermint candy
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers or cake base ingredients and mix them with melted butter and sugar. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or tart pans to form a solid base. Chill to set before adding filling.
- Make the Red Velvet Batter: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in red food coloring, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and sour cream or heavy cream. Beat until fully incorporated and silky smooth with no lumps, yielding a vibrant red batter.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the batter over the prepared crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) using a water bath or placing a pan of water beneath the cheesecake to ensure gentle, even heat. Bake for 55–70 minutes until edges are firm and center is slightly wobbly. Cool gradually at room temperature.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight (at least 8 hours) to allow it to set fully and enhance flavors.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Once chilled, decorate with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or your choice of festive toppings such as red velvet crumbs, white chocolate curls, or edible glitter for a beautiful holiday presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps in the batter.
- Bake in a water bath to avoid cracking and ensure a smooth texture.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best texture and flavor melding.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
- Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cheesecake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Christmas dessert, red velvet cheesecake, holiday dessert, festive cheesecake, red velvet cake, cream cheese dessert