I’ve always had a soft spot for cheesecake. I can thank my mother for this, she introduced me to cheesecake at a very young age. Growing up she would make cheesecake cupcakes on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. I would always request cheesecake cupcakes over regular cake every birthday, and when we were deciding on holiday menus cheesecake was a must in the dessert categorie. You could have 10 pies–I still wanted a cheesecake!
I’ve craved cheesecake bad a few times during my pregnancy, but I was always too tired to make it and wait 2 hours for it to bake and cool–so I would splurge on store-bought cheesecake. Most people would not go this route, but since I’ve tested just about all the store-bought cheesecakes out on the market, I can tell you which ones to go for and which ones to avoid. I prefer my local grocery store bakery cheesecake if I can’t get an expensive slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake!
We had my baby shower last month (almost a month ago which is mind blowing). While planning the menu (we catered Chipotle and it was amazing) I decided I wanted a dessert bar. No cake… just cupcakes, cookies, chocolates, and of course cheesecake cupcakes. We didn’t have red velvet cheesecake cupcakes, just the traditional (which was fine in my book).
As Valentine’s day approaches I find myself always craving/wanting red velvet products. Not sure why that is… but it is. So I decided to alter my mom’s recipe and make a red velvet version. I also have a little hidden treat in these cheesecake cupcakes that you can’t see… I carefully twisted an oreo and put half of one on the bottom of each cupcake liner before filling the liners with cheesecake batter. It gives a nice little crust and everyone who ate one enjoyed the treat! Oh and just so you know these taste way better than the photos depict–they were not cooperating with me the other day when I went to photograph them.
Katie Original Recipe
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon red food coloring
- 3 eggs
- 10 oreos divided
- Whipped Cream
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a stand mixer, begin to mix cream cheese until whipped (about 1 minute). Then add in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl, and then mix for an additional 30 seconds. Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix on low for 10-20 seconds.
- Add each egg individually to the batter. Mix for 3 mintues on medium speed until well incorporated (scrape down the bowl a few times).
- Using cupcake tins, line with cupcake wrappers. Place half an oreo cookie in each cupcake wrapper (filling side up). Using a large cookie scoop, scoop batter into the cupcake wrappers.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Let them cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for 50 additional minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Before serving top with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie
Don’t you hate it when food is just not showing it’s photogenic side sometimes? I have that problem mostly with meat. I love how vibrant the red is in these though! Happy Vday 🙂
Katie
Awe thanks Erin–yes its the worst. My past few recipes have not shown its mouth-watering justice.
danielle
This is getting pinned….and then made!
Katie
Ha ha thanks Danielle!
Shaina
Yum!!!! Those sound delicious! Adding Oreos was a great idea
Katie
Thanks Shaina! I love the surprise at the bottom!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
A dessert bar sounds like my kind of party! Especially if it involves these lovely cheesecake cupcakes. So pretty!
Katie
Thanks Ashely. Why limit yourself to just cake when you can have ALL the desserts your craving!