Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in this festive Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake featuring a rich, creamy texture with a classic red velvet flavor, layered on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday celebrations and dessert tables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Make the crust. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust. Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a sturdy base for the cheesecake.
- Prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy to eliminate any lumps.
- Add eggs. Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine remaining ingredients. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and vinegar until the filling is fully blended and consistent in color.
- Pour batter. Pour the prepared cheesecake filling evenly over the crust in the springform pan.
- Bake the cheesecake. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and refrigerate. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- If you don’t have red food coloring, natural alternatives like beet juice can be used but will slightly alter the taste.
- Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracking, if desired.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly; this enhances texture and flavor.
- For a festive touch, garnish with whipped cream or white chocolate shavings before serving.
