Christmas is the season of joy, laughter, and, of course, indulgent treats. Imagine a luscious Christmas red velvet cheesecake that’s as vibrant as the holiday lights twinkling on your tree. delicious cherry cheesecake fluff This dessert not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a festive flair to your holiday table. light and zesty yogurt bark homemade Samoas for a festive treat.
Picture this: a velvety, rich cheesecake layered atop a moist red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting drizzled artfully on top. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather around the table with wide eyes and eager smiles, ready to dig in. This Christmas red velvet cheesecake is perfect for holiday gatherings, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any celebration. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Christmas red velvet cheesecake combines classic flavors with a festive twist
- It’s surprisingly easy to prepare while looking stunning on any dessert table
- The rich red color evokes holiday cheer, making it a showstopper for family gatherings
- Plus, this cheesecake is versatile enough to impress at any winter event, from potlucks to cozy nights in
I remember the first time I made this cheesecake during a family gathering; my cousin’s eyes lit up like they had just seen Santa Claus himself when they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Red Velvet Cake Mix: Choose a high-quality mix for the best flavor and texture; it’s the foundation of our glorious cheesecake.
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Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; this will create that dreamy smoothness in your cheesecake filling.
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Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and moisture to keep the cheesecake rich and creamy.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up! Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
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Eggs: These help bind everything together; fresh eggs work best for texture.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crust; it gives a rich flavor without extra saltiness.
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Cocoa Powder: For that chocolatey hint that complements the red velvet perfectly.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for whipping up that delightful cream cheese frosting; it makes it sweet and fluffy.
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Heavy Cream: Use it to whip up a luscious topping that’s as decadent as the cake itself.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan with non-stick spray. This ensures an easy release later.
Create the Crust
In a bowl, combine melted butter with crushed graham crackers and cocoa powder until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Craft the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then add sour cream, eggs one by one, and vanilla extract while mixing well after each addition.
Add Red Velvet Flavoring
Pour in your cake mix and blend carefully until fully incorporated. It should be thick yet silky—like your favorite cozy sweater!
Bake That Beauty!
Pour the filling into your crust and bake for about 60 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should look set while still being soft in the middle.
Cool Down Time!
Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour. Then transfer it to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours—patience pays off here!
Add Frosting Flair
When ready to serve, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe generously over your chilled cheesecake before cutting into slices.
This festive treat promises both visual appeal and mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone raving long after their plates are empty! Enjoy every moment as you watch those smiles light up brighter than Christmas morning itself!
You Must Know
- Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake brings festive cheer and creamy indulgence to your holiday dessert table
- The rich cocoa flavor combined with a luscious cream cheese layer creates a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and make your taste buds sing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by mixing the cheesecake batter while the red velvet cake cools. This allows for seamless layering and avoids any time crunch. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the traditional red food coloring for natural alternatives like beet juice or even add peppermint extract for a festive twist that dances on your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Prevent cracking by baking in a water bath, ensuring even cooking
- Don’t rush cooling; patience leads to perfection!
I remember the first time I made this cheesecake; my friends devoured it so quickly I barely got a slice! Their delighted reactions made me feel like a superstar baker. no bake carrot cake bites.
FAQ
What is the best way to prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Baking in a water bath helps maintain moisture and regulates temperature, minimizing cracks.
Can I freeze the Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
How long does it take to bake this cheesecake?
Bake it at 325°F for about 60-70 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake is a spectacular dessert that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake layer. This festive treat not only delights the taste buds but also adds a vibrant touch to your holiday table. With its luscious cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa flavor, this cheesecake is sure to be the centerpiece of your seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (for crust)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for crust)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a springform pan.
- For the crust, mix melted butter, crushed graham crackers, and cocoa powder until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually fold in red velvet cake mix until fully incorporated.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for about 60 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool in the oven with the door ajar for one hour, then refrigerate for at least four hours.
- Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form and frost the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
