Spook your guests this Halloween with a ghoulishly delicious Bloody Red Velvet Cheesecake. Combining the rich flavors of classic red velvet cake with the creamy texture of cheesecake, this dessert is topped with a “bloody” strawberry syrup that adds both drama and delight.
Ingredients:
- For the Cheesecake Crust:
- Oreo Cookies: 22 pieces
- Butter, melted: 4 tbsp
- For the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese, room temperature: 24 oz
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Eggs, room temperature: 4
- Cocoa Powder: 3 tbsp
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Buttermilk: 1/4 cup
- Vinegar: 1 tsp
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Red Food Coloring: 2 oz
- For the Strawberry Blood:
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Strawberries, hulled: 2 cups
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
Directions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Pulse Oreo cookies in a food processor until they are finely ground. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until the mixture is uniform and vibrantly colored.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Preheat your oven and bake the cheesecake according to the red velvet recipe guidelines, typically at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open to cool gradually, minimizing the risk of cracking.
- Prepare the Strawberry Blood:
- In a saucepan, combine water, strawberries, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the strawberries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Strain the mixture to remove strawberry pieces, yielding a smooth, bloody-looking syrup.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, remove it from the pan.
- Drizzle the strawberry syrup over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a spooky effect.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to set perfectly.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chilling Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes
Servings: Serves 10-12
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
- Cooling the cheesecake in the oven helps prevent the top from cracking.
- For an extra touch of horror, add a few fresh strawberry halves to the top of your “bloody” cheesecake.
Conclusion: This Bloody Red Velvet Cheesecake is the perfect centerpiece for any Halloween party. Not only is it a terrifyingly tasty treat, but its dramatic presentation is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Enjoy this hauntingly delicious dessert and let the spooky celebrations begin! 🎃🍰