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Showstopper Red Velvet Cheesecake with Cream Cheese Swirl and Oreo Crust

Two decadent slices of red velvet cheesecake showing layers of red cake, white cheesecake, and dark chocolate swirl.

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Create a stunning, creamy Red Velvet Cheesecake featuring a rich Oreo crust and a beautiful cream cheese swirl. This recipe delivers a decadent, showstopper dessert perfect for holidays or special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (for crust)
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) red velvet cake mix
  • Ingredients required by cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (for filling)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for extra color)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for swirl)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for swirl)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the crushed Oreos, 6 tablespoons melted butter, and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the red velvet cake layer: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package directions, substituting the liquid amount with 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream and adding 1 teaspoon white vinegar and red food coloring, if using. Mix until just combined.
  3. Pour the prepared red velvet cake batter over the cooled Oreo crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the remaining red food coloring if you want a deeper color in the cheesecake layer.
  5. Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, beat the remaining 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
  6. Assemble the cheesecake: Gently spoon half of the cheesecake filling over the baked red velvet layer. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese swirl mixture over the filling. Top with the remaining cheesecake filling. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
  7. Bake the cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still have a slight wobble.
  8. Cool the cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour. This prevents cracking. Remove from the oven, run a thin knife around the edge, and cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure all cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing the filling.
  • If you want a truly showstopper presentation, top the chilled cheesecake with homemade cream cheese frosting or a simple chocolate ganache drizzle.
  • This recipe works well for Valentine’s Day or Christmas gatherings due to its festive color.

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