Red Velvet Cheesecake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.

Step 2

Combine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.

Step 3

Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 4

Cover the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in (see how I prepare my pan for a water bath). Set prepared pan aside.

Step 5

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).

Step 6

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder on low speed until well completely combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 7

Add the sour cream and buttermilk and mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 8

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.

Step 9

Add the vinegar, vanilla extract and food color and mix until well combined.

Step 10

Pour the cheesecake batter into the crust.

Step 11

Place the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.

Step 12

Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly.

Step 13

Turn off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will continue to cook, but slowly begin to cool as well.

Step 14

Crack the door of the oven for 20-30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.

Step 15

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath wrapping and refrigerate until firm, 5-6 hours or overnight.

Step 16

When the cheesecake is cool and firm, remove from the springform pan and set on a serving plate.

Step 17

To make the whipped cream, add the cream cheese to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth. Set aside.

Step 18

Add the remaining ingredients to another large mixing bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 19

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese in two parts until well combined.

Step 20

Spread the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake in an even layer.

Step 21

Refrigerate the cheesecake until ready to serve.