If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines the decadent flavors of red velvet with the irresistible crunch of Oreos, you have to try this Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe. These petite desserts are a showstopper for any occasion—rich, creamy, and perfectly portioned for sharing (or not!). Each bite brings a harmonious mix of velvety cheesecake, bold cocoa, and that classic chocolate cookie surprise, making it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a personal indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a vibrant and luscious dessert. Each component plays a role—from adding moisture and depth of flavor to providing that signature red hue and smooth texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Adds structure to the cake base to hold everything together perfectly.
- Cocoa powder (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon): Delivers a rich chocolatey flavor that enhances the red velvet profile.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): Sweetens the batter and cheesecake filling for just the right balance.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Provides a luscious, moist texture to the batter and base.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cheesecake and cake base.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon total): Infuses warmth and aromatic notes that complement the chocolate and red velvet flavors.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor depth.
- Oreo cookies (12): Form a crunchy, chocolatey surprise center that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake, creating a smooth and tangy filling.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup, room temperature): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Cool Whip (8 oz, thawed): Whipped topping for a light and fluffy finish on each mini cheesecake.
- Chocolate shavings: Garnish that provides an elegant look and a touch of extra chocolate.
- Red gel food coloring: Gives the cheesecake its vibrant and iconic red velvet color.
How to Make Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Liners
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line your cupcake tin with liners. This simple preparation step makes cleanup super easy and ensures your mini cheesecakes come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mix brings the chocolate flavor to the forefront while creating a balanced texture for the base of your mini cheesecakes.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients for the Cake Base
In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and one egg together until pale and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, ensuring your cake base will be light. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract to enhance flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly stir your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is well combined and smooth. The batter should be thick but spreadable, setting the stage for the classic red velvet taste.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Base Partially
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cavities. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer. Pop it into the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F. This initial baking creates a sturdy base that will hold the Oreo surprise.
Step 6: Insert the Oreo Cookies
Once the cake base has slightly cooled and the oven temperature lowered to 325°F, gently press one Oreo cookie into the center of each cupcake cavity. This crunchy element adds texture and a delightful surprise with each bite.
Step 7: Prepare the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then add the second egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in the tablespoon of cocoa powder until well incorporated, followed by the red gel food coloring. Mix gradually and use a rubber spatula to ensure an even, vibrant red batter.
Step 8: Fill and Bake the Cheesecakes
Scoop the cheesecake filling over the cake base and Oreo cookie in each cup, filling almost to the top. Gently tap the pan to level each mini cheesecake. Bake these at 325°F for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly—a sign of perfect creaminess.
Step 9: Cool and Chill
Allow the mini cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up, making them easier to top and serve.
Step 10: Add the Final Touches
Transfer your thawed Cool Whip to a piping bag fitted with your favorite nozzle, then pipe a generous dollop onto each mini cheesecake. Finish by sprinkling chocolate shavings over the top for an elegant and chocolatey crunch.
How to Serve Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your mini cheesecakes can take them from delicious to visually stunning. Chocolate shavings provide texture and a decadent look, but you can also mix it up with fresh raspberries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fruity contrast that complements the rich red velvet flavor.
Side Dishes
These Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe creations are perfect as a standalone treat, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee can elevate your dessert experience. The cool creaminess or bold coffee notes perfectly balance the rich sweetness of the cheesecakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Served in a pretty tiered dessert tray or nestled in decorative cupcake liners with a tiny fork, these minis become the star of any party spread. You can also present them in clear mini jars for a charming effect that’s both cute and perfect for portion control. Don’t forget to label them to highlight this irresistible Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mini cheesecakes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the creamy texture and flavor, so every bite tastes just as fresh as the first.
Freezing
These mini desserts freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain their luscious texture.
Reheating
Since cheesecakes are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want to take the chill off, simply let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of room temperature?
Using cream cheese at room temperature is important because it blends smoothly and creates a creamy filling. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps and affect the texture of your mini cheesecakes.
Do I have to use Oreo cookies or can I substitute another cookie?
While Oreos are the classic choice here, you can definitely experiment with other chocolate sandwich cookies or even try something like Biscoff for an exciting twist on the recipe.
How long does it take to chill the cheesecakes before serving?
The recipe recommends chilling for at least 1 hour to let them set properly, but chilling them longer—up to overnight—will give you even better flavor and firmness.
What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?
Red gel food coloring is ideal for vibrant color without thinning the batter. You can use liquid coloring, but you might need more to achieve the signature red velvet hue, which could affect the texture slightly.
Can I make these mini cheesecakes dairy-free or vegan?
Adapting this Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe to be dairy-free or vegan requires substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan cake base. It’s doable but may require a bit of recipe tweaking for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about these Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe treats that captures hearts with every bite. They’re easy to make, stunning to look at, and absolutely delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to impress your family, friends, or even just yourself when you need a little extra joy in dessert form. Happy baking and even happier indulging!
Print
Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes
Description
These Mini Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecakes combine the classic flavors of red velvet and Oreo cookies into perfect individual desserts. With a rich cocoa-flavored crust, a creamy red velvet cheesecake filling, and a topping of cool whip and chocolate shavings, these bite-sized treats are both visually stunning and delicious. They’re ideal for parties, celebrations, or whenever you want an impressive homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 12 Oreo cookies
For the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring (amount as desired, start with a few drops)
For the Topping:
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners to prepare for the crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Crust: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and one egg together for about 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Crust Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until completely combined into a smooth batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners with Crust: Spoon and distribute the batter evenly into the cupcake cavities, spreading the batter out using the back of a spoon.
- Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then remove and lower oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Add Oreo Cookies: Once the crust has slightly cooled, gently press one Oreo cookie into the center of each crust cup.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. Stir in the cocoa powder until well incorporated. Add red gel food coloring gradually, mixing at low speed, and use a rubber spatula to ensure even distribution and smooth consistency.
- Fill Cups with Cheesecake Mixture: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the Oreo cookie crusts, filling each cup almost to the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter a couple of times to level the mixture and remove any air bubbles.
- Bake Cheesecakes: Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Decorate and Serve: Transfer thawed Cool Whip to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe the topping onto each mini cheesecake. Finish by sprinkling chocolate shavings over the top for garnish. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring to reach your preferred shade of red velvet color.
- Do not overbake the cheesecakes; the centers should still jiggle slightly when done for a creamy texture.
- Use cupcake liners to ease removal and serving of mini cheesecakes.
- For best flavor and texture, chill cheesecakes for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
