Decadent Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake

This Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that combines rich cream cheese layers with a crunchy Oreo crust and silky chocolate ganache. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a decadent treat that everyone will rave about.

I made this cheesecake on a whim for a family gathering and it quickly became the highlight of the night everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookie crumbs: for a chocolatey crunchy base choose fresh cookies with a good cream filling for maximum flavor
• Unsalted butter: melted to bind the crust with richness and avoid overpowering saltiness
• Cream cheese: softened to ensure a silky batter that results in the perfect cheesecake texture
• Granulated sugar: to sweeten the filling and balance the cocoa and cream cheese
• Sour cream: adds moisture and tang enhancing the cheesecake’s creaminess
• Large eggs: help set the cheesecake creating structure without drying it out
• Cocoa powder: brings subtle chocolate depth to the red velvet layer pick unsweetened for true flavor
• Vanilla extract: imparts warmth and rounds out all the flavors so they harmonize
• Red food coloring: gives the iconic vibrant hue use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the batter
• Heavy cream: will become luscious ganache when combined with chocolate chips
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: melt smoothly into the ganache providing rich chocolate notes
• Whipped cream: for garnish adds lightness and visual appeal
• Extra Oreo crumbs and whole Oreos: decorate the top for texture and indulgence

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9-inch springform pan well this helps the cheesecake release easily after baking. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent any sticking.

Make and Bake the Oreo Crust:

Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture feels like damp sand press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for eight to ten minutes until it firms up this pre-baking step ensures a crisp crust that holds its shape. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Mix the Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer:

In a large bowl beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until the texture is creamy and free of lumps. Mix in sour cream eggs cocoa powder vanilla extract and red food coloring until everything blends into a velvety batter pour this gently over the cooled crust and smooth it out to create an even layer.

Add the Plain Cheesecake Layer:

In a separate bowl beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth as before add sour cream eggs and vanilla stirring carefully until combined gently pour this mixture over the red velvet layer spreading it evenly without mixing the two layers.

Bake the Cheesecake:

Place the pan in the oven and bake for fifty to sixty minutes. The edges should look set while the center still jiggles lightly when gently shaken. Turn off the oven and crack the door open leaving the cheesecake inside for one hour to cool slowly this step helps prevent cracks.

Chill the Cheesecake:

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least six hours or preferably overnight to let it fully set and develop flavor.

Prepare and Pour the Chocolate Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for two minutes to melt the chocolate then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before spreading on top of the cheesecake.

Decorate and Serve:

Pipe whipped cream around the edges sprinkle with extra Oreo crumbs and arrange whole Oreos on top for a festive finish slice and serve chilled.

I have to say the Oreo crust is my favorite part it adds that perfect crunch and deep chocolate hit every bite reminds me of baking with my grandmother who always used Oreos for pie crusts and desserts. This cheesecake has become part of our family celebrations because it is impressive with minimal fuss.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator it stays fresh for up to four days.

Ingredient Swaps

Try cream cheese alternatives like Neufchatel for a lighter option but expect a slightly different texture.

Serving Ideas

Serve this cheesecake with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce to add a fruity contrast.

This cheesecake brings together texture and flavor in every bite creating a dessert that is both impressive and comforting.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients create the Oreo crust?

Crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted unsalted butter form the base, baked briefly to create a firm, flavorful crust.

→ How is the red velvet layer colored and flavored?

The red velvet layer combines cream cheese with cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring for its signature hue and gentle chocolate flavor.

→ Why is the cheesecake chilled overnight?

Chilling allows the cheesecake to firm up gradually, preventing cracks and enhancing its creamy, smooth texture.

→ What technique is used for the chocolate ganache topping?

Warmed heavy cream is poured over semi-sweet chocolate chips, then stirred until smooth to create a silky ganache that’s poured gently over the chilled cheesecake.

→ How should the cheesecake be served for best taste?

Serve chilled and sliced, garnished with whipped cream, Oreo crumbs, and whole Oreos for added crunch and visual appeal.

→ Can the cheesecake be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a day before serving to allow proper chilling and flavor melding.