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Ultra Creamy Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake: A Showstopper Dessert

A perfect slice of red velvet cheesecake showing three distinct layers: dark chocolate crust, vibrant red filling, and white cream cheese topping with chocolate crumbs.

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Create an ultra creamy, rich red velvet cheesecake with a crunchy Oreo crust. This recipe is perfect for holidays or special occasions when you want to impress guests with a visually stunning, decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Oreo Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 30 cookies)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • For the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • For the Red Velvet Swirl (Optional):
  • 1 cup prepared red velvet cake batter (use a box mix or your favorite recipe)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting Topping:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil to prepare for a water bath.
  2. Make the Oreo Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool while you prepare the filling.
  3. Prepare Red Velvet Elements: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, vinegar, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and baking soda until combined. Set aside. If using cake batter, prepare it now according to package directions, but do not bake it.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling Base: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and flour on medium speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
  5. Incorporate Eggs and Dairy: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing only until just combined after each addition. Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
  6. Add Red Velvet Flavor: Gently mix the prepared red milk mixture into the cheesecake batter until the color is uniform. Do not overmix.
  7. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour about two-thirds of the red velvet cheesecake batter over the cooled Oreo crust.
  8. Create the Swirl (Optional): Dollop the prepared red velvet cake batter randomly over the cheesecake layer. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the cake batter into the cheesecake batter to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the top to cover any exposed cake batter spots.
  9. Bake in a Water Bath: Place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until the water reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center 2 inches should still have a slight jiggle.
  10. Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This slow cooling prevents cracking.
  11. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and foil. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before frosting.
  12. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until combined. Mix in the vanilla. Add milk one teaspoon at a time if the frosting is too stiff.
  13. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

  • Wrapping the pan well in foil prevents water from the water bath from seeping into the crust during baking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the filling; this is key to achieving that ultra creamy texture you want.
  • If you skip the water bath, your cheesecake may bake unevenly or crack.

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