Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake for Valentine’s Day
Indulge in a luxurious Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake perfect for Valentine’s Day, combining the rich cocoa notes of red velvet cake with the creamy tang of cheesecake. This visually stunning dessert offers a smooth texture and irresistible flavor, making it an ideal treat for special celebrations or a romantic occasion.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust variation)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240g) Sour Cream
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
- 3 large Eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Red Food Coloring
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 6 tablespoons (85g) Unsalted Butter, melted
- Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers finely and combine them with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, forming an even crust base. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Cheesecake Batter: Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Gently fold in cocoa powder and red food coloring until the mixture achieves the iconic red velvet color and rich flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the chilled crust, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about one hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it firm up and develop full flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish if desired with powdered sugar, white chocolate curls, or fresh berries. Slice and share this luscious treat.
Notes
- Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature to prevent lumps in the batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the pan to ensure even baking and moisture retention.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to set texture and enhance flavor melding.
- Use high-quality ingredients such as fresh cream cheese and pure vanilla extract for best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cheesecake, Valentine's Day Dessert, Decadent Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Cream Cheese, Romantic Dessert