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If you’re looking to impress this holiday season without spending all day in the kitchen, our Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust is your go-to dessert! This quick, easy cake combines rich flavors and an eye-catching design, making it perfect for festive gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines with its vibrant red color, combining the classic richness of cheesecake with a playful red velvet twist. The Oreo crust provides a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making every bite a celebration of flavor. Plus, it’s an indulgent treat that can be prepared quickly, ensuring you spend less time baking and more time enjoying the festivities.
Just imagine serving this stunning cheesecake at your next holiday gathering; it’s guaranteed to be the star of the show! Embrace the joy of baking without the stress and indulge in this easy dessert recipe. For more quick and festive ideas, check out our Desserts section.
Flavor & Texture
The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Enhanced by cocoa powder, the red velvet flavor is deepened, while the Oreo crust adds a satisfying crunch. When cooled, the cheesecake develops a subtle firmness, making it ideal for slicing. Every mouthful blends the creamy and crunchy elements, delivering a flavor paradise you’ll crave again and again.
Convenience & Time Savings
One of the best parts of this recipe is its convenience. It comes together in about 20 minutes of prep time, allowing you to focus on other holiday tasks. With a total bake time of around 60 minutes and chilling in the fridge for just a few hours, you can easily make this cheesecake in a morning or afternoon and it tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen! Looking for more quick treats? Visit our Lunch recipes for additional time-saving ideas.
Healthy Option or Diet Twist
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider these modifications for your Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust:
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute to cut calories.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for a low-fat version of cream cheese to make it healthier overall.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
These small swaps can help you enjoy this decadent dessert without the guilt! Check out resources from Healthline for more guidance on healthy eating habits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter, then press the mixture uniformly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the Oreo crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly this contributes to the creaminess of the cheesecake.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour.
- Remove the pan from the oven, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible (the longer it chills, the better it sets!).
- Serve your cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or additional crushed Oreos on top for that extra touch.
Fast Tips & Tricks
- Use a Food Processor: Save time by crushing your Oreo cookies easily in a food processor.
- Check for Doneness: It should be slightly jiggly in the center when done this means it will be perfect once cooled!
- Garnish Smart: A sprinkle of crushed Oreos on top not only looks good but adds a delicious crunch.
Ingredient Swaps or Shortcuts
- Oreo Alternatives: If you don’t have Oreos, any chocolate cookie can work as a base for the crust.
- Food Coloring Substitution: You can use beet juice for a natural red hue if you prefer a coloring alternative.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing your cheesecake with festive treats like peppermint bark or holiday cookies. A hot cup of cocoa or spiced cider makes for an excellent beverage complement as well. This pairing elevates the whole dining experience, making it even more memorable for your guests!
Make-Ahead & Storage
This cheesecake is perfect for make-ahead planning. It can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition & Quick Health Benefits
While this cheesecake is a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits courtesy of its ingredients, particularly from the cream cheese, which provides protein and calcium. Moderation is key, and this holiday dessert can be enjoyed deliciously! Learn more about dietary components at USDA MyPlate.
FAQs
Q: How long does the cheesecake need to chill?
A: Ideally, the cheesecake should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for the best texture.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
A: Absolutely! Any chocolate cookie will work well as an alternative to Oreos.
Q: What if I don’t have red food coloring?
A: You can use natural options like beet juice for color without artificial additives.
Q: How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking?
A: The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center, indicating it will set when cooled.
Personal Closing Thought + Call-to-Action
Baking this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust is an opportunity to create memories, treat your loved ones, and indulge in something uniquely festive! It’s quick, easy, and downright delicious. Try it tonight you’ll love how fast it is!
All steps have been carefully applied to create a highly engaging and SEO-optimized article for Quick30Recipes.com. Enjoy your festive baking journey!
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Quick Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake with Oreo Crust
An easy and festive red velvet cheesecake with a delicious Oreo crust, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1–2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter, then press the mixture uniformly into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the Oreo crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour.
- Remove the pan from the oven, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Serve your cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or additional crushed Oreos on top.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a sugar substitute.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg