If you’re undecided about what sort of delicious dessert to make for Christmas this year, look no further. I found one for you… Red Velvet Cheesecake.
I don’t gush about recipes all that often, and I’m a horrible critic of my own creations. I usually have to ask others what they think in order to get decent feedback to share. With this recipe, however, I sampled a piece. I wish I had committed every single decadent bite to my taste memory. I wish I had another piece. I will tell you with great confidence that this cheesecake was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
Using a recipe from Southern Living, I made a few changes. Here’s my how-to:
Into a springform pan, I pressed an Oreo cookie crust.
The batter is a classic cheesecake batter with a small amount of added cocoa, buttermilk and vinegar (which are typical in a red velvet cake).
Of course you must add red food coloring to get that wonderful red hue. Some people are frightened by the use of red food coloring. You can always try using a concentrated red gel paste instead- you’ll be able to use a smaller amount and still achieve a vibrant red hue.
The key to baking a perfect cheesecake with no cracks is to bake it in a water bath. Protected by two layers of heavy-duty foil, the pan is lowered into a ‘bath’ and baked at a low temperature.
See how perfect? Not a single crack.
Just as a Red Velvet Cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting, this Red Velvet Cheesecake is also topped with a cream cheese frosting. You might be thinking that’s a little overboard. It is, but it’s perfect. I might just put frosting on all of my cheesecakes now 
Mint leaves were the perfect garnish… green with the red and the white… so holiday!
I piped on some melted red chocolate to create little “holly” leaves from the mint.
I was very pleased with how the color turned out in this cheesecake- just a fabulous shade of red and a very festive addition to a Christmas dinner menu. 
Incredibly moist, I can honestly say that this cheesecake is a new favorite of mine. I just loved the flavor… reminiscent of the same red velvet flavor that you get in the cake- especially with the cream cheese addition on top.
I really had only meant to take a bite to sample and somehow save the rest for my son, but I just couldn’t help myself. The kid didn’t get any.
I ate every single bite myself. And it was so worth that extra 30 minutes at the gym.
I brought the rest of this cheesecake (yes, with one little sliver taken out!) to the teachers at my son’s school for a luncheon. Let’s just say that one of the teachers literally bowed to me as I picked up my dish after their feast. It really was that good!
Recipe can be printed out here: Red Velvet Cheesecake.
49 Comments
What a perfect Cheese Cake, so beautiful! And not a crack at all! Wow! I have had red velvet disasters all week but then it all turned out ok in the end. I love how you made the holly leaves and berries, very clever!
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Drop dead gorgeous! This, I think, will be Christmas dessert. Do you think it would be ok made smaller, like in cupcake pans? Of course I’d use liners…
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Beautiful! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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How wonderful and festive looking is that? Love it!!!
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I love this! It sounds so delicious and the colors are just perfect for the holiday season.
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The most festive cheesecake I’ve ever seen!! Had to say it before I’m off to see the recipe
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Wow, now that looks like a Christmas dessert if I ever saw one. Beautiful!
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Whoa! This is one gorgeous cheesecake – and perfect for Christmastime!
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wow…that is gorgeous! i love red velvet, so i am sure i would be a fan of this recipe.
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wow this looks super festive
great idea. looks awesome
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Bowing is a GOOD thing – the cheesecake must have been amazing. I can’t believe how stunning it looks so deep red and your mint “holly” leaves are adorable.
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What a beautiful cake, and a fabulous idea! Such a perfect Christmas treat
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So beautiful! And what a combo! This would be a fantastic flavor for one of those little cheesecake pops that I keep seeing.
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It is truly stunning and would be a great addition to any holiday table, that’s for sure.
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That would be a show stopper for a holiday dessert! Excellent!
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Oh my gracious. This looks out-of-this-world DELICIOUS!!!! Wow. Thanks for sharing!
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Totally festive, gorgeous and I’ll be delicious!
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I can’t wait to make this. It looks incredible and it combines two of my favorite things in the entire world. What a fantastic recipe!
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Well… wow I have never seen such a beautiful creation. Again Recipe Girl.. thank you for the recipe on the Bun Cookies = ) You are fabulous at all that you do!!!
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What a gorgeous color! Perfect for Christmas, yum!
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That has to be the reddest cheesecake I’ve ever seen! Really wish I could taste a slice of that, it came out just perfectly. Little red berries were an extra nice touch
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This is so pretty and perfect for the season!! Happy holidays to you!
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so stunning and festive
definitely bookmarking this one!
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That does look so festive. It turned out perfect and then to be so tasty!
I wish I was a teacher at your school!
~ingrid
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This looks so festive. Surely could be used for a Valentines treat as well!
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Beyond. freaking. amazing. period.
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That is beautiful Lori another omygoodnes moment.
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How incredibly perfect looking!! I would absolutely love that cake…I love red velvet cake. I can’t believe how smooth the top of the cake is…my cheesecakes never seem to come out that smooth on top! I have to have a topping on them just to hide the cracks or uneven edges!!
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That looks absolutely wonderful! I love cheesecake and red velvet cake too, that is the perfect combination! I really like how the color came out, it’s so vibrant.
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Is there a way of avoiding food colouring? I am really not keen on all the E numbers they contain.
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Anonymous- I know that some people aren’t too keen on food coloring. I’ve heard of people trying to use ‘beet juice’ in place of red food color, but I have no experience with it. You might also try googling your question to see what suggestions might come up. Good luck!
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Oh red velvet is my favorite. I’m going to try your method of the water bath. I’m telling you without a crack it seems almost terrible to cover it with frosting with that perfect top! It’s beautiful and congrats on your win.
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Well I’m not surprised that you’ve won cooking contests as you are very talented.
Of course I love this cheesecake, but what it really awesome is the decoration on top…just beautiful.
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it’s perfect. perfectly baked, perfect for christmas, and the perfect texture. nicely done.
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What a festive cheesecake! Sounds delicious!
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Oooh, hot red always excites my palate. I’d like a phat wedge and I’ll be off.
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It was a good one. Yours turned out so festive.
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This is awesome. Are you bringing some with you to the Seattle area?
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Super festive and I’m sure very delicious!
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Gorgeous! Merry Christmassy Cheesecake sounds great!
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Haha for some reason I can picture a bunch of teachers bowing to you
This is a perfect holiday look to it, with such a crazy warm color. I agree with you at the extra time in the gym 
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I’ve been wanting to make this since I saw it on peabody’s blog – now I want it even more!
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Never have I heard of Red Velvet Cheesecake. Learned something today. Btw, it looks deliciously festive.
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Nice! I have never tried red velvet cake before, but I do love cheesecake, so maybe this is the way to do it.
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Oh wow look at that color and creaminess! You go girl!
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I have sat here and looked up many red velvet cheesecakes recipes and photos. I must say this one is hands-down the prettiest one (and most detailed recipe) I have seen. It makes me want to make it right now, even though it’s midnight!
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I saw a red velvet cheesecake on Peabody’s blog and have been hooked ever since.
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Wow, beautiful color on the cheesecake!! Love the decoration too!
)
I also made cheesecake for Christmas dessert but I made mine plain. Had I seen this before I would have had a pretty red cheesecake just like yours… oh well, there is always next year!
Ana
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What a beautiful Christmas dessert! Very creative of you.
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