Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of this Homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake. A velvety smooth cream cheese filling on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- red velvet cake crumbs or chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with a double layer of foil to prevent leaks. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add cocoa powder and mix until combined. Add the sour cream, eggs (one at a time), vanilla extract, and food coloring. Mix until smooth. Slowly add the buttermilk and beat on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour the batter over the crust. Place the pan in a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then remove from the water bath and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the topping, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks. Spread or pipe over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with red velvet crumbs or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought red velvet cake crumbs for the garnish.
- Be sure all ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
