Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, a proud introvert and dessert dreamer, you know that the holiday season is the perfect time to spread joy through delicious treats. This Christmas, I’ve got a showstopper that will not only grace your table with its festive hue but also warm the hearts of your loved ones. Say hello to the Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake! This luscious dessert combines the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, creating an irresistible slice of heaven. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create something special together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering why this recipe should be on your baking radar this festive season, let me share a few delightful reasons! First and foremost, the striking red color makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. This cheesecake isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. The combination of rich cream cheese, smooth sour cream, and a hint of cocoa powder creates a creamy texture that balances beautifully with the light, fluffy cake.
Additionally, this recipe is wonderfully approachable, even for beginner bakers. Using a box mix for the red velvet base simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking without the stress. Plus, this dessert can be made ahead of time, freeing up your day for all the other holiday activities you love! Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds.
Step-by-Step: Making Holiday Red Velvet Cheesecake
Let’s get started with this simple and satisfying recipe. Obey your cravings, and let’s create this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake!
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
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed graham crackers until you achieve a sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan to form a crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It can be a fun workout for your arms!
- Add the eggs one at a time, being careful to mix well after each addition to keep the batter fluffy.
- Carefully mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, and then fold in the red velvet cake mix along with the cocoa powder until fully incorporated. The batter will be a lovely rich red.
- Pour this delightful mixture over your cooled crust and pop it back into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly, don’t overbake!
- Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating for at least four hours, or ideally overnight. This waiting period is crucial for the cheesecake perfection!

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake
Now that your cheesecake is beautifully chilled and set, it’s time to present it in style! Here are a few serving ideas that will surely impress your guests:
- Garnish it beautifully: Consider topping your cheesecake with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or festive red and green sprinkles for that holiday touch.
- Pair it with berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a burst of color and a fruity contrast that complements the rich creaminess of the cheesecake.
- Serve with a drizzle: A beautiful drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate sauce over the top can elevate this cheesecake to dessert royalty.
- Present in slices: Cut perfectly portioned slices for easy serving, and don’t forget to offer good coffee or hot cocoa on the side!
How to Store Leftover Red Velvet Cheesecake
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which will be a rarity, I promise!), proper storage is essential to maintain that delicious flavor and creamy texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Refrigerate: Store your cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you used a springform pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Freeze for later: You can also freeze your cheesecake! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then store them in a freezer-safe container. For best results, enjoy them within two months for optimal flavor.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to indulge again, transfer your cheesecake slices to the fridge to thaw overnight for a delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake
Want to level up your cheesecake game? Here are a few pro tips that could help:
- Softened cream cheese is key: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. It ensures a seamless blend that prevents lumps in your creamy filling.
- Don’t rush the cooling process: Allow your cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating; this further helps with the texture.
- Be gentle with the ingredients: When folding in the red velvet cake mix and other ingredients, handle the batter gently to preserve air bubbles for a fluffy cheesecake.
- Check for doneness: Since every oven is different, start checking at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Delicious Variations of Red Velvet Cheesecake
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to try something different, here are some fun variations of the Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake:
- Chocolate Chip Add-Ins: Fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Pour a layer of brownie batter into the pan, add your cheesecake batter, and create a marbled effect for a twist.
- No-Bake Red Velvet Cheesecake: For something lighter and quicker, you can opt for a no-bake version using whipped cream instead of eggs.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Bake these in cupcake liners for adorable mini versions that are perfect for sharing at holiday parties!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Just follow the same measurements and don’t skip any ingredients to maintain the right texture.
2. How long can I keep this cheesecake?
In the fridge, it lasts up to five days. However, if frozen, it can last for about two months.
3. Can I add toppings?
Yes! Fresh fruits, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream all complement the flavors beautifully.
So there you have it, my friends! This holiday Red Velvet Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with love, joy, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Happy baking and enjoy creating treats that fill your kitchen with warmth and your hearts with joy!
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This luscious Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines rich, velvety red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake for a festive treat.
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
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed graham crackers until you achieve a sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan to form a crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, then fold in the red velvet cake mix and cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Pour this mixture over your cooled crust and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour before refrigerating for at least four hours, or ideally overnight.
Notes
For perfect cheesecake, allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Consider topping with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
