Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

Experience the magic of the holidays with this indulgent Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert. Combining the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet cake with the smooth, luscious cream cheese filling on a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, this dessert is a showstopper for any festive gathering. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and decadence, this cheesecake is the ultimate holiday treat that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Festive Flavor: The red velvet flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake for a perfect holiday taste experience.
  • Crunchy Oreo Crust: A chocolatey Oreo crust adds a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is surprisingly straightforward to make at home.
  • Versatile for Gatherings: It’s perfect for Christmas parties, family dinners, or as a gift during the holidays.
  • Rich & Creamy Texture: The cheesecake filling melts in your mouth with a velvety consistency that’s incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role, contributing to the rich color, flavor depth, and creamy texture you’ll love.

  • Oreo Cookies: Crushed to create the chocolatey, crunchy crust foundation that holds the cheesecake together.
  • Butter: Melted and mixed with Oreo crumbs for a firm yet tender crust.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling, providing a tangy and creamy base.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to enhance the cheesecake’s silkiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling while balancing acidity from cream cheese and sour cream.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and create a smooth yet sturdy structure.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the cheesecake its signature vibrant red hue perfect for the Christmas theme.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds subtle chocolate undertones reminiscent of classic red velvet cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.

Variations for Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

Feel free to customize this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s easy to tweak the recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture.

  • Nut-Free Option: Use gluten-free or nut-free Oreo-style cookies for the crust if allergies are a concern.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with vegan alternatives and eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based treat.
  • Extra Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the filling or top with a chocolate ganache drizzle for added richness.
  • Fruit Twist: Add a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries inside the cheesecake for a fruity surprise.
  • Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the crust or filling for a warm holiday spice flavor.
Creamy Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by finely crushing Oreo cookies until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix these crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even, sturdy crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar gradually, mixing until fully incorporated. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract to create a rich base.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Red Velvet Flavor

One at a time, beat in eggs to the cheese mixture, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Sift in cocoa powder and carefully fold in red food coloring, stirring gently until the filling becomes beautifully red and well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, leaving the door ajar, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set. This chilling time enhances the creamy texture and makes slicing easier. When ready, run a knife around the edges before releasing the springform pan.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure silky filling.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in ingredients to prevent excess air that could cause cracks during baking.
  • Baking Method: Use a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free.
  • Crust Compactness: Press the Oreo crust firmly for a more solid base that won’t crumble when sliced.
  • Achieve Vibrant Color: Opt for gel-based red food coloring for a richer, more intense hue without thinning the batter.

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

Garnishes

Top the cheesecake with a dusting of powdered sugar, white chocolate curls, or crushed Oreos to add festive flair and texture. Fresh mint leaves or a few bright red berries such as raspberries or cranberries also make charming, seasonal decorations.

Side Dishes

Pair the cheesecake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine to complement the rich, creamy flavors with warmth and comfort during holiday festivities.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices in clear dessert plates garnished with edible gold flakes or drizzle a raspberry coulis artfully around the plate for a restaurant-quality presentation. For parties, consider mini cheesecake jars layered with crushed Oreos and red velvet crumbs for easy-to-serve bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or enjoy with warm sides like hot cocoa rather than reheating directly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreo cookies provide a classic chocolate crunch, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies also make delicious alternative crusts.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

You can omit the food coloring for a pale cheesecake or substitute with natural options like beet juice powder, but the signature red velvet color will be less vibrant.

How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

Use a water bath during baking, avoid overmixing, and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to minimize cracking.

Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?

For the best texture and ease of slicing, chilling overnight is recommended, but a minimum of 4 hours will still yield great results.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free Oreo-style cookies or another gluten-free crumbly cookie for the crust, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert is truly a holiday gem that brings celebration and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting family, bringing a dish to a party, or treating yourself, this cheesecake shines with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become your new favorite festive indulgence!

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Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert

Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust – Festive & Creamy Dessert


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free Oreo-style cookies)

Description

Indulge in the festive magic of this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust, blending the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet cake with a luscious cream cheese filling atop a crunchy chocolate Oreo crust. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and decadence, this creamy dessert is an ultimate holiday treat, ideal for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or gift-giving.


Ingredients

Scale

Oreo Crust

  • 24 Oreo cookies (approximately 1 1/2 cups crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons red food coloring (preferably gel-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oreo Crust: Finely crush Oreo cookies until coarse crumbs form. Combine these crumbs with melted butter and mix well. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract to form a rich base.
  3. Add Eggs and Red Velvet Flavor: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before the next. Sift in cocoa powder and gently fold in red food coloring until the filling is evenly colored and smooth.
  4. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set and enhance texture. Before serving, run a knife around the edges and release the springform pan. Garnish as desired and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Gently fold ingredients to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause cracks.
  • Consider using a water bath during baking to keep the cheesecake moist and prevent cracking.
  • Press the Oreo crust firmly for a solid base that won’t crumble when sliced.
  • Gel-based red food coloring gives a richer, more intense hue without thinning the batter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, Red velvet cheesecake, Oreo crust dessert, Holiday dessert, Festive cheesecake

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