Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
This Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy red velvet-flavored cheesecake layered on a crunchy Oreo crumb crust, topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting and garnished with crushed Oreo cookies. Baked in a water bath for tender texture and perfectly set edges, this decadent dessert is ideal for special occasions or any time you want a show-stopping cheesecake.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 2 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Batter
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
Frosting Topping
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- 6–8 full-sized Oreo cookies, crushed
- Prepare Pan and Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in during the water bath. Combine 2 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs with 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake and Cool Crust: Bake the crust in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until it is set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a stand mixer, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ¾ cup granulated sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder, mixing on low speed just until combined. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing only until each egg is incorporated, taking care not to overmix the batter.
- Add Flavor and Color: In a separate small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup sour cream, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon red food coloring. Pour this mixture into the cream cheese batter and mix on low speed until the mixture is evenly colored and just combined.
- Prepare Water Bath and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled Oreo crust in the foil-wrapped springform pan. Place this pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan so that it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Cool Cheesecake: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gently. Then carefully remove the springform pan from the water bath and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, which may take 2 to 3 hours. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Chill Cheesecake: Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 to 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add ¼ cup sour cream and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Then gradually add ½ cup heavy cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is airy, smooth, and spreadable.
- Assemble and Garnish: Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan. Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the top of the cheesecake. Garnish with 6 to 8 crushed Oreo cookies. Slice carefully with a sharp knife and serve immediately.
- Store: Keep any leftover Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Wrapping the springform pan in foil prevents water from leaking into the crust during the water bath baking.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs to avoid cracking during baking.
- The slight wobble in the center after baking is normal and important for creamy texture once chilled.
- Chilling overnight is recommended for optimal texture and flavor.
- Use a hot water bath to gently bake the cheesecake and prevent cracks.
- The frosting can be adjusted in thickness by varying the amount of heavy cream.
Keywords: Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake, Oreo Crust, Cream Cheese Frosting, Water Bath Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cheesecake