This Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake recipe is a bold, indulgent dessert that layers flavor, texture, and elegance all in one bite. A tender red velvet cake forms the base, followed by a luscious Oreo cheesecake filling, and it’s all finished with a glossy chocolate ganache and cookie crumbles. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration or treating yourself to a decadent weekend dessert, this one is guaranteed to impress.
Each bite combines soft cake, creamy filling, and crunchy cookie bits, making it more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Although the recipe looks extravagant, it’s entirely achievable when approached step by step. The reward? A stunning centerpiece that tastes even better than it looks.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesecake brings together beloved flavors in a unique way. The red velvet base is moist and subtly chocolaty. The cheesecake layer is rich, smooth, and studded with Oreo pieces for added texture. Topping it all is a silky chocolate ganache that makes the cake look polished and taste luxurious.
It’s also practical. You can make this recipe a day in advance, and it slices cleanly after chilling. The layers hold up beautifully in the fridge, and you can even freeze leftovers. Want to switch things up? You can use different cookies, swap the ganache for white chocolate, or leave off the food coloring. The base is flexible and flavorful no matter how you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and even bake.
All-purpose flour – 1½ cups
Forms the base structure of the red velvet cake and gives it stability.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – 2 teaspoons
Adds a touch of chocolate flavor that enhances the red velvet experience.
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavor profile.
Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
Contributes moisture and richness to the cake batter.
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Sweetens both the red velvet and the cheesecake layers.
Sour cream – ½ cup for cake, 1 cup for cheesecake
Makes the cake moist and adds creaminess to the filling.
Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
Ensures the red velvet base stays soft even after refrigeration.
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons for cake, 1 tablespoon for cheesecake
Provides warm, aromatic depth to both layers.
Eggs – 2 for cake, plus 2 and 1 yolk for cheesecake
Help bind the batter and set the cheesecake texture.
Red food coloring – 4 teaspoons
Gives the red velvet its classic vibrant hue, though it’s optional.
Buttermilk – ⅔ cup
Adds tenderness and a slight tang to the cake layer.
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Used as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
White vinegar – 1 teaspoon
Works with the baking soda for a tender crumb and enhances color.
Oreos – 10 cookies for crust (filling removed), 15 chopped for filling, 8 for topping
Used throughout the crust, filling, and topping to provide signature crunch and flavor.
Cream cheese – 24 oz, full-fat and room temperature
Forms the rich, smooth base of the cheesecake layer.
Oreo filling – from the 10 crust cookies
Adds sweetness and texture to the cheesecake batter.
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
Stabilizes the cheesecake and helps it set without cracking.
Dark chocolate chips – 1 cup
Used to make the decadent ganache topping.
Heavy cream – ½ cup
Mixed with chocolate to create a silky-smooth ganache.
Cream cheese frosting – 1 can
Optional, but ideal for decorating and adding a final flourish.
How to Make Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake
Start with baking the red velvet cake base. While it cools, prepare your cheesecake filling and assemble the cake. After baking the cheesecake in a water bath, let it chill overnight before finishing with ganache and decoration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan and an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, then spray with baking spray. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, oil, vanilla, eggs, and food coloring. Mix until combined. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing gently. Stir in baking soda and vinegar. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Let both cakes cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Reduce the oven to 300°F. Crush the Oreo wafers (discarding the cream) into fine crumbs. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the Oreo filling, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well. Add sour cream, vanilla, eggs, and yolk. Beat until just combined, then fold in the crushed Oreos and chopped cookies.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Place the 9-inch red velvet cake layer into the bottom of the springform pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture over it, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with foil. Set it inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. When done, turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cake cool inside for 1 hour. Then refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Pour over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
Step 6: Decorate the Cheesecake
Crumble the second red velvet cake layer and press the crumbs onto the sides of the cheesecake. Use cream cheese frosting to pipe swirls on top and sprinkle with chopped Oreos.
Helpful Tips
Room temperature ingredients blend better and help avoid lumps, especially in the cheesecake.
Always bake cheesecake in a water bath to maintain moisture and prevent surface cracks.
Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven after baking helps keep its texture smooth and prevents sinking.
For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it between each cut.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, chocolatey, and tangy
Texture: Moist cake, smooth filling, crunchy topping
Occasion: Great for birthdays, holidays, and dinner parties
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 110 minutes
Total Time: 170 minutes
Difficulty: Advanced
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
Servings: 12
Notes
You can skip the red coloring or replace it with beet powder for a more natural option. Try experimenting with different cookie flavors or swap the ganache for white chocolate for a twist. This recipe is easy to personalize while still keeping that wow factor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without red food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the coloring or use a natural alternative like beet powder.
What helps keep cheesecake from cracking?
Using a water bath and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven reduces the chance of cracks.
Does the Oreo crust need to be baked separately?
No, the crust and cheesecake layers bake together, so there’s no need for a separate step.
Is it possible to freeze this cheesecake?
Yes. Once chilled, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic and foil. Store in the freezer for up to one month.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the cheesecake, covered, for up to five days. For longer storage, slice and wrap individual servings tightly, then freeze. Let frozen slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Recipe | A Stunning Holiday Showstopper
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This layered dessert features a moist red velvet cake base, creamy Oreo cheesecake center, and smooth chocolate ganache topping. It’s ideal for special events and celebrations.
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs (room temperature)
4 tsp red food coloring
⅔ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp white vinegar
10 Oreos (filling removed, crushed)
24 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
Oreo filling from 10 cookies
1 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
1 tbsp vanilla extract (cheesecake)
2 large eggs + 1 yolk (room temperature)
15 chopped Oreos (cheesecake)
1 cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
1 can cream cheese frosting
8 chopped Oreos (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan and 8-inch round pan with parchment. Spray with baking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar. Add sour cream, oil, vanilla, eggs, and red food coloring.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Stir in baking soda and vinegar.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely.
6. Lower oven to 300°F. Crush Oreo wafers. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add Oreo filling, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix. Add sour cream, vanilla, eggs, and yolk. Combine well.
8. Fold in crushed and chopped Oreos.
9. Place red velvet base in springform pan. Pour cheesecake mixture on top.
10. Wrap springform pan in foil. Place in a water bath. Bake for 90 minutes.
11. Cool in oven with door slightly open for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight.
12. Microwave chocolate chips and cream. Stir smooth. Pour ganache over chilled cake.
13. Crumble second cake layer and press onto sides. Pipe frosting and add Oreo garnish.
Notes
Room temp ingredients make a smoother batter.
A water bath prevents cracks.
Chill overnight for best results.
Food coloring is optional.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 110 minutes
- Category: Sweet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 38g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 8g
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers on both taste and presentation, this Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake is a must-bake. Its rich layers, balanced flavors, and beautiful appearance make it perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With just a little planning, you can create a dessert that’s as memorable as the occasion itself. Give it a try, and get ready for compliments with every slice.