Red Velvet Christmas Cheesecake

The Red Velvet Christmas Cheesecake. Tastes just like the Red Velvet Cake, but with the silky texture of cheesecake.

One of my most requested Christmas desserts.

SERVINGS: Serves 10-12

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups Nabisco Chocolate wafer crumbs (about 3/4 box, processed in blender)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick/2 oz./56g) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 2 (1-ounce) bottles red food coloring

Topping:

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1/2 stick/2 oz./56g) butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted (optional)

Garnish: (optional)

Fresh mint sprigs
White chocolate curls

METHOD:

1. Stir together wafer crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, cocoa and baking soda.
3. Beat 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and sugar mixture at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute.
4. Add eggs and next 5 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust.
5. Bake at 325°F/160°C for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300°F/150°C, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm.
6. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake.
7. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes.
8. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack 30 minutes.
9. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Topping:

1. Beat 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
2. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Spread pecans over topping and press lightly with hand (optional).
3. Chill at least 3 hours.
4. Remove sides of springform pan.
5. Garnish, if desired, with fresh mint, white chocolate curls or other seasonal greenery.

Source: DianaDesserts