Description
Sinfully rich red velvet cheesecake with a chocolate crust and dramatic “vampire bite” swirl—perfect for spooky season.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, without filling)
¼ cup melted butter
For the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 blocks)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup sour cream
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp red food coloring (gel-based for bold color)
For the “Vampire Bite” Sauce (Optional but Fun):
½ cup raspberry or strawberry preserves
1–2 tsp lemon juice
Red gel food coloring (optional, for deeper red)
Optional Topping:
Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
Extra “blood” drizzles or piped dots
Instructions
Prep Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter until moistened. Press into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
Make Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add Flavor & Color: Mix in vanilla, sour cream, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until evenly combined and velvety red.
Bake: Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake in a water bath for 50–60 minutes until center is just set with a slight jiggle. Turn off oven and let sit inside with door cracked for 1 hour.
Chill: Remove and cool completely. Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make “Bite” Sauce: Warm raspberry preserves with lemon juice and optional red food coloring. Use a straw or spoon to poke small “bite marks” in the cheesecake, then fill with sauce. Drizzle extra for effect.
Decorate & Serve: Add whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, extra blood drizzle, and serve chilled with drama!
Notes
For smooth cheesecake, use room temperature ingredients and don’t overbeat the batter.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the batter.
The raspberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Use a toothpick or straw to make clean “bite marks” for the vampire theme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking (Oven)
- Cuisine: American
