Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add sugar and beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and cocoa powder.
- Add red food coloring and mix until you reach a rich, deep red hue.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to avoid air bubbles. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the springform pan with two layers of foil to prevent water from leaking in.
- Place the pan in a large roasting dish and pour in hot water halfway up the sides.
- Pour the red velvet batter into the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked open for 1 hour.
Step 4: Cool & Chill
- Remove from oven, unwrap the foil, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Make the “Vampire Bite” Raspberry Coulis
- In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries break down.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional) and let cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate & Serve
- Pour the raspberry coulis over the chilled cheesecake, letting it drip slightly over the edges.
- Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to make small “vampire bite” drips on top — two parallel dots with a blood-like trail.
- Garnish with white chocolate shavings or fresh raspberries.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect mix of creamy cheesecake, cocoa depth, and that tart-sweet “bloody bite” topping. 🩸
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Freeze slices (without coulis) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add the coulis before serving.
Tip: For clean slices, use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Swirl Effect: Add a few spoonfuls of plain cheesecake batter and swirl it into the red mixture before baking.
Oreo Crust Twist: Use red velvet Oreos for a stunningly colored crust.
Black Velvet Cheesecake: Replace red food coloring with black cocoa powder for a dramatic gothic version.
White Chocolate Topping: Drizzle white chocolate ganache instead of coulis for a “fangs in snow” look.
Cupcake Version: Make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins for party-friendly servings.
Each variation adds a creative flair — perfect for customizing your Halloween dessert table.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use gel or liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring works best — it gives deep color without altering texture. Can I skip the water bath?
It helps prevent cracks, but you can bake at 300°F (150°C) without it — just place a water pan on the lower rack. Do I have to use cocoa powder?
Yes, it gives that signature red velvet flavor and enhances the chocolate notes. Can I use frozen raspberries for the coulis?
Absolutely! Thaw first and proceed as usual. Can I use a different fruit sauce?
Yes — strawberry or cherry coulis also work beautifully for the “bloody bite” effect. What if my cheesecake cracks?
Don’t worry — the raspberry topping hides any imperfections perfectly! How do I make the cheesecake extra smooth?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix after adding eggs. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cookies for the crust. Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight. How do I get clean “vampire bite” drips?
Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to control the placement and let gravity create natural trails. 🏁 Conclusion This Vampire Bite Red Velvet Cheesecake is a Halloween masterpiece — equal parts spooky, elegant, and absolutely delicious. With its deep red velvet filling, smooth texture, and dramatic raspberry coulis topping, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy every dessert craving. It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads and sparks conversation — decadent enough for chocolate lovers, yet striking enough to be the centerpiece of your Halloween spread. Each slice tells a story of creamy indulgence and dark romance — a dessert truly to die for.
Gel food coloring works best — it gives deep color without altering texture. Can I skip the water bath?
It helps prevent cracks, but you can bake at 300°F (150°C) without it — just place a water pan on the lower rack. Do I have to use cocoa powder?
Yes, it gives that signature red velvet flavor and enhances the chocolate notes. Can I use frozen raspberries for the coulis?
Absolutely! Thaw first and proceed as usual. Can I use a different fruit sauce?
Yes — strawberry or cherry coulis also work beautifully for the “bloody bite” effect. What if my cheesecake cracks?
Don’t worry — the raspberry topping hides any imperfections perfectly! How do I make the cheesecake extra smooth?
Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overmix after adding eggs. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cookies for the crust. Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight. How do I get clean “vampire bite” drips?
Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to control the placement and let gravity create natural trails. 🏁 Conclusion This Vampire Bite Red Velvet Cheesecake is a Halloween masterpiece — equal parts spooky, elegant, and absolutely delicious. With its deep red velvet filling, smooth texture, and dramatic raspberry coulis topping, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy every dessert craving. It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads and sparks conversation — decadent enough for chocolate lovers, yet striking enough to be the centerpiece of your Halloween spread. Each slice tells a story of creamy indulgence and dark romance — a dessert truly to die for.