Name: Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Ingredients: 35-40 Oreos; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature; 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder; 2-3 drops red food gel

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Cheesecake is easily one of my favorite desserts. A good cheesecake starts with a delicious crust to balance the flavor and texture. Whether that crust is a classic graham cracker crust or an Oreo crust, I am allll in! I decided to go with an Oreo Crust for these Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars to keep the theme of Valentine’s Day alive with the popularity of chocolate this time of year. This recipe is so delicious and super easy to make.

Nine marble-patterned cheesecake squares with red heart swirls are arranged in a grid. A single brownie with layered colors is placed in the center. The background features pink and red pom-poms.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

1. Prepare the crust:
Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. Combine with melted butter until the mixture is evenly combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased and parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350°F. Pre-baking the crust ensures that our cheesecake bars have a strong base (a delicious one too).
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth to make sure there are no lumps. Mix in the granulated sugar for sweetness then add in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent air bubbles. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and room-temperature heavy cream for a rich, creamy consistency.
Remove about 1 ¼ cups of the cheesecake batter and mix in cocoa powder and a few drops of red food gel to achieve that classic red velvet hue.
3. Assemble and swirl:
Alternate adding the uncolored and red cheesecake batter over the crust. Use a toothpick or skewer to create nice swirls for a marbled effect. This step is optional but you can dollop red batter on top and shape the dollops into hearts.

A hand swirls a white batter with red heart shapes using a skewer in a baking pan. The hearts blend into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Pink and red decorations are visible in the background.

A tray of marbled cheesecake with red heart-shaped swirls on a creamy white surface. The baking tin is surrounded by a decorative garland of red, pink, and white pom-poms on a black table.

4. Bake in a water bath:
Wrap the pan in foil to prevent water seepage and place it in a larger baking dish filled with an inch of water. Bake at 300°F for about 75 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly. The water bath ensures even cooking and prevents cracks.
5. Cool and chill:
Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for setting the cheesecake’s texture.

A stack of red velvet cheesecake bars with swirled cream cheese on a chocolate crust. The bars feature heart patterns on top. They are set against a dark background with soft red accents.

How to Store Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

Refrigerator: Once cooled and sliced, store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve and enjoy.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Recipe Variations

Heart-shaped bars: Use a cookie cutter to create individual heart-shaped portions (then eat the delicious scraps).
Add a topping: Top the cheesecake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of white chocolate for added texture and flavor.
Fruity twist: Swirl in a raspberry or strawberry puree to compliment the red velvet flavors. These cheesecake bars are so delicious there is no wrong way to enjoy them.

Top view of cheesecake bars with a red and white marbled pattern and heart designs. The bars are neatly cut and one is turned on its side, revealing a brownie base. Pink and red plush heart decorations are in the background.

Tips for Making Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This guarantees a smooth batter. Cold cream cheese will make for a lumpy batter.
Mix gently: Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can create air bubbles that lead to cracks during baking.
Perfect swirls: Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the batters together. Avoid over-swirling to maintain distinct color patterns.

Decorating Alternatives

Festive sprinkles: Add red, pink, and white sprinkles for a fun Valentine’s Day theme.
Chocolate designs: Pipe melted chocolate into heart shapes or intricate designs on top.
Gold accents: Use edible gold dust or glitter to elevate the presentation for a fancy touch!

A square baking pan with a crumbly chocolate crust is lined with parchment paper. In the background, there are red hearts and pink and white pom-poms scattered on a dark surface.

Can These Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes! These cheesecake bars are a great make-ahead dessert and so easy to prepare ahead of time. Prepare them 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together.