Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cheesecake is a stunning and decadent dessert perfect for romantic occasions, holidays, or any time you want to impress. With its rich red velvet base, creamy cheesecake filling, and heart-shaped presentation, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the ultimate blend of velvety chocolate flavor and smooth, tangy cream cheese.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the red velvet crust:
red velvet cake crumbs (from baked and cooled red velvet cake)buttermelted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese (softened)sugareggsvanilla extractheavy creamcornstarchsour creamwhite chocolatereed food coloring (gel or liquid)
Optional toppings:
whipped creamwhite chocolate shavingsfresh berries
directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a heart-shaped springform pan by greasing and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix red velvet cake crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and cornstarch until fully incorporated.
Fold in melted white chocolate, then stir in heavy cream and red food coloring until the batter is evenly colored.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill halfway with hot water to create a water bath.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before removing from the pan.
Decorate with whipped cream, berries, or chocolate shavings as desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 60 minutesCooling and chilling time: 5 hoursTotal time: 6.5 hours
Variations

Use a chocolate cookie crust for a darker base.
Add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry puree to the top before baking.
Make mini cheesecakes in heart-shaped molds for individual servings.
Drizzle with chocolate ganache instead of whipped cream.
storage/reheating
Store cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.Do not microwave to reheat; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a regular pan instead of a heart shape?
Yes, an 8- or 9-inch round springform pan works fine—just adjust presentation.
What type of red velvet cake should I use for crumbs?
Homemade or store-bought red velvet cake works; avoid frosted cakes.
Is a water bath necessary?
It helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking, especially with thick cheesecakes.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be just set with a slight jiggle; it will firm up as it cools.
Can I use food gel instead of liquid coloring?
Yes, food gel gives a more vibrant color with less quantity.
Can I substitute white chocolate?
You can omit it, but it adds richness and sweetness to the filling.
Why is my cheesecake cracked?
Overbaking or skipping the water bath can cause cracking—cooling slowly helps too.
Do I need to line the pan?
Yes, it helps release the cheesecake cleanly from the pan.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor, but low-fat can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Delicious Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cheesecake is the perfect blend of charm and indulgence. Its striking appearance and luscious taste make it a show-stopping dessert for any celebration. Whether shared with someone special or served at a festive gathering, this cheesecake is sure to capture hearts and taste buds alike.
PrintDelicious Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A romantic twist on a classic dessert, this heart-shaped red velvet cheesecake combines a rich red velvet base with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 3 large eggs
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a heart-shaped springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
- Add sour cream, buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until incorporated and smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each addition.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- To ensure a smooth cheesecake, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- You can use a water bath while baking to prevent cracking.
- Heart-shaped pans are available online or can be created using a round and square pan together.