If you’re looking to wow your friends and family this holiday season, this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe is a total game-changer. It blends the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the festive, slightly chocolaty twist of red velvet, making it feel both classic and indulgently special. I love making this for holiday parties because it stands out from the usual desserts on the table and always gets a ton of compliments.

What makes this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe extra magical? It’s the fun texture with Oreo crumbs in the crust, the subtle cocoa flavor in the filling, and that gorgeous pop of red to brighten up your dessert spread. Plus, the sprinkle topping adds a playful crunch that screams holiday cheer — perfect for making memories as sweet as the cake itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I like to keep my ingredients simple yet flavorful so everything comes together beautifully without too much fuss. Each element complements the creaminess and festive flair of this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe, creating that perfect balance of sweet, rich, and fun.

Oreo cookies: These make a lovely crunchy crust and add a hint of chocolate; using full cookies for crushing always gives me a better texture.
Butter: Melted butter binds the crust perfectly; don’t skimp here or the base can be crumbly.
Cream cheese: Using full-fat and room temperature cream cheese makes the cheesecake silky smooth without lumps.
White sugar: Just the right amount for sweetness without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: This adds richness and helps to lighten the filling so it’s dreamy and luscious.
Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out the flavors and makes everything taste more homemade.
Cocoa powder: For that subtle chocolate undertone typical of red velvet — I always use Dutch-processed for a smoother taste.
Red food coloring: Enough to achieve that classic red velvet shade; use gel coloring for the brightest, richest color.
Christmas sprinkles: These go right into the filling and on top for that instant festive vibe and a little crunch.
Whipped cream: To dollop on top — nothing beats a soft, airy finish to this rich dessert.
Mini Oreos: Perfect garnish that doubles down on the Oreo flavor and looks adorable too!

Variations

Over the years, I’ve tried little tweaks to this Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe that I highly recommend. It’s fun to personalize depending on your mood or dietary needs, and you can still keep that festive spirit alive with a few easy switches.

Make it gluten-free: Swap the Oreos for gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies — I did this for a friend once, and no one even noticed the difference.
Less sugar: I reduce the sugar by a quarter cup when I want a slightly less sweet cheesecake and it still tastes perfectly balanced.
Veggie-friendly: Using plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream helps make a vegan version. It takes a tiny adjustment but keeps the creamy texture.
Extra chocolate: Stir in mini chocolate chips for some surprise bites of melty goodness; my kids love that extra chocolaty crunch.

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing those Oreos until you have about 2 cups of crumbs. I like to use a food processor for a quick and even grind, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin also work great in a pinch. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until they resemble wet sand, then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. This step is key to a sturdy crust that holds up wonderfully under the creamy filling, so take your time to press firmly and evenly!

Step 2: Whip up the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese and sugar together until silky and smooth — no lumps here! Next, fold in the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and your red food coloring until the color is just right. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream into soft peaks before gently folding it into the cream cheese mixture. Don’t rush this part: folding carefully keeps the filling light and airy, which makes every bite heavenly.

Step 3: Mix in Sprinkles and Bake

Before pouring the filling onto your Oreo crust, stir in a generous ¼ cup of Christmas sprinkles right into the mixture for that festive surprise. Transfer the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Then pop it into a preheated oven and bake until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly — usually about 45 minutes. This gentle bake keeps your cheesecake creamy with just the right set.

Step 4: Cool and Chill Completely

Once baked, the hardest part is waiting! Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for at least an hour, then refrigerate it for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to let those flavors meld beautifully. I’ve found the longer you chill it, the easier it is to slice and serve clean pieces, plus the texture firms up perfectly.

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe

Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of colorful Christmas bits, and a few mini Oreos scattered on top. It adds that festive sparkle and a playful crunch that makes each slice feel like a present. Don’t be shy with the sprinkles — they’re half the fun!

Side Dishes

I typically serve this cheesecake on its own since it’s rich, but if you want a little something extra, fresh berries or a simple berry coulis make wonderful light partners. They bring a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness nicely without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I tried individual cheesecake jars topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a cute grab-and-go option at a holiday brunch — everyone loved how personalized and mess-free they were. Another favorite is serving slices on a festive platter lined with fresh mint leaves and cranberries to amplify the Christmas vibe visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh cheesecake, I tightly cover leftovers with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. It keeps the cake moist and fresh for 4 to 5 days — perfect if you want to savor Christmas a little longer or impress guests with a second round of dessert.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, it maintains its creamy texture remarkably well — just a mild difference from fresh, but still delicious!

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled, I don’t recommend warming it up. However, if you want softer slices fresh from the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving — it really helps the cheesecake soften just enough.

FAQs

Can I make the Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight because it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to get a smooth cheesecake filling?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing, and beat it thoroughly to eliminate lumps. Gently folding in the whipped cream instead of stirring helps keep the texture light and creamy.
Can I use a different cookie crust instead of Oreos?

Yes! While Oreos give a perfect chocolatey base for this recipe, you can try graham crackers, ginger snaps, or even a nut-based crust for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the crust is packed firmly for best results.
How do I avoid cracks on top of the cheesecake?

Try baking the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam, which keeps the cheesecake moist. Also, avoid overbaking; the center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan?

Yes! By swapping the cream cheese for a vegan alternative and using coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, you can achieve a very similar texture and taste. Just be sure to check that your cookies and sprinkles are vegan-friendly too.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday projects — it’s like wrapping all the cozy, festive feelings into one delicious dessert. I love how easy it is to prepare but so impressive when it hits the table. If you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle to your celebrations, you’ll enjoy making (and eating) this one as much as I do, I promise!