Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

There’s something about a Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe that just screams festive joy and indulgence all in one bite. This cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic red velvet flavors — a perfect twist that makes holiday dessert tables feel extra special. Trust me, this isn’t your everyday cheesecake; it’s that delightful showstopper dessert you’ll want to make again and again during the holidays.

I love making this cheesecake when friends and family are coming over because it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The red velvet hue paired with crunchy Oreo crust and festive sprinkles makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly easier to make than you might think, so you can focus on enjoying the celebrations without being stuck in the kitchen all day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here works in harmony to give you that creamy yet vibrant Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe. From the crumbly Oreo base to the rich cream cheese filling, these components are easy to find but pack so much flavor when combined.

• Oreo cookies: For that perfect chocolate cookie crust, make sure to use regular Oreos (cream included) for richness.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the crust crumbs together — full-fat works best for flavor.
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• White sugar: Sweetens the filling delicately, balancing the cocoa and cream cheese tang.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to add lightness and fluffy texture to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla extract: A tiny splash enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Cocoa powder: Gives the signature red velvet flavor a gentle cocoa depth—don’t skip it!
• Red food coloring: Use as much or as little as you want to achieve that festive red shade you love.
• Christmas sprinkles: Adds fun color and texture throughout the filling for a playful holiday twist.
• Whipped cream: For topping — acts as a light, airy contrast to the cheesecake richness.
• Mini Oreos: Perfect for garnish, adding that extra charm and crunch.
• Extra Christmas sprinkles: To make your dessert pop visually when serving.

Variations

I’m all about making this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe your own. Whether you want to dial back the sugar, add some fresh berries, or swap sprinkles for nuts, feel free to customize! It’s all about what makes this dessert special to you and your holiday tradition.

• Nut-Free Version: I’ve made this without Oreos before, using crushed graham crackers to ensure everyone at the party can enjoy it safely.
• Berry Infusion: Adding fresh raspberries on top or mixed inside my cheesecake gives it a tart balance I love for a fresher twist.
• Less Sweet: You can cut back the sugar by a little if you prefer your desserts on the less sweet side — the cream cheese still shines through beautifully.
• Alcohol Boost: For an adult party, a splash of bourbon or Baileys in the filling adds a festive warmth (just a splash!).

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing about 24 Oreos until you have roughly 2 cups of fine crumbs—either pop them in a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and roll over with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with ⅓ cup melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan or pie dish to form a neat, compact crust layer. Chill it in the fridge while you prepare the filling to help it set nicely. This crust is the base of our cheesecake, so be sure it’s packed tight but not too crumbly.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup white sugar until smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Then, add in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and mix well. This little cocoa kick is what gives the cheesecake its signature red velvet flavor depth. Now, add your red food coloring slowly, mixing in until you get that perfect holiday red shade. Remember, a few drops can go a long way, so start small—you can always add more.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream and Sprinkles

Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form—this gives the filling a lovely lightness. Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture, keeping it airy and fluffy. Once combined, stir in about ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles for that extra festive pop. Pour the filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top carefully with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you’ve got the time. This chilling lets the cheesecake set up perfectly so it holds together when slicing but remains creamy and dreamy. I like to make mine a day ahead—it actually tastes better when it has a chance to rest and develop flavor.

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

Garnishes

I top my cheesecake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle mini Oreos and extra Christmas sprinkles on top for a fun and festive finish. It’s these little touches that make the dessert look like it belongs in a holiday magazine! Plus, that whipped cream balances the richness of the cheesecake perfectly.

Side Dishes

When serving this cheesecake, I like to pair it with light fruit salad—something citrusy like an orange and pomegranate mix pairs beautifully to cut through the richness. A cup of spiced hot cocoa or mulled wine alongside really rounds out that cozy Christmas vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress this recipe up for a holiday party, try individual cheesecake jars layered with the crust, filling, and sprinkles—easy to grab and go for guests. Or use themed cake toppers like tiny candy canes or holly leaves for an extra festive touch. I’ve also seen folks pipe red velvet frosting rosettes around the edges for a real showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesecake should be stored tightly covered in the fridge to keep it moist and prevent it from picking up fridge odors. I usually place mine in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cheesecake to keep the top from drying out. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, if it even lasts that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe if you want to make it way ahead. Just freeze it whole or in slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving—simple and convenient for holiday prepping.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served cold, so no reheating here! Let frozen slices thaw fully in the fridge for the best texture. If you really want it a bit softer, leave it at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. I never microwave cheesecake—it tends to alter the texture and flavor too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday traditions, and I’m confident it’ll bring a special kind of magic to your table, too. It’s rich, creamy, colorful, and festive—everything you want in a holiday dessert that also impresses your guests. So go ahead and make it your own, whether you’re baking for a big family gathering or a cozy night in. I promise, once you try this, you’ll be the dessert hero of the season!

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