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A Deliciously Decadent Treat: Bloody Good Cheesecake

These luscious cheesecakes blend rich chocolate, creamy goodness, and a spine-tingling splash of red, making them the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. With straightforward steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Picture this: your loved ones gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up as you unveil this eye-catching cheesecake that not only tastes divine but looks magnificent too.

Once upon a time, I was in search of a dessert that could both enchant and satisfy. I experimented in my kitchen, mixing flavors until I felt like a true alchemist of sweets. The result? This Bloody Good Cheesecake, a velvety delight that combines chocolatey depth and a playful pop of color. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Bloody Good Cheesecake

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A rich and decadent cheesecake that blends chocolatey depth with a visually stunning red hue, perfect for any gathering.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 270 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 8 whole chocolate graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 (8 ounce) blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Red icing color (to taste)
• 1/4 cup COLD water
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9” springform pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil.
2. Combine the crushed chocolate graham crackers with melted butter and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until fluffy; add cocoa powder and mix well.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.
5. Gradually add red icing color until the batter reaches the desired hue.
6. Pour the batter into the crust and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 225°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside to cool, which helps prevent cracks.
8. Loosen the sides of the cake with a knife and remove the springform once cool.
9. For the gel frosting, mix cold water and cornstarch in a saucepan, heat until smooth, then stir in corn syrup, vanilla, and red icing until thickened.
10. Let the gel cool and spoon it over the cheesecake.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Cover any cracks with gel frosting.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

Making a fabulous cheesecake can seem daunting, but don’t worry! This recipe is tried and true, making it easy for home bakers of any level. It comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward directions, all while delivering a delightful flavor that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

How to Make Bloody Good Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 8 whole chocolate graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
• 5 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 (8 ounce) blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Red icing color (I used this one from Wilton)
• 1/4 cup COLD water
• 3 teaspoons cornstarch (see note)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Red icing color

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9″ springform pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil, allowing the edges to hang over. This makes for easy removal later on.
2. Combine the crushed chocolate graham crackers with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until fluffy. Add the unsweetened cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated; don’t forget to scrape the sides and the bottom of the bowl.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.
5. Gradually add red icing color until your batter reaches a rich, deep red hue. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust up to 3/4 teaspoon based on your desired color intensity.
6. Pour the batter over the crust in the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 225°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside as it cools, which helps prevent cracks.
8. Once cooled, use a knife to carefully loosen the sides of the cake before gently removing the springform.
9. For the gel frosting, mix the cold water and cornstarch until smooth in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until it simmers, then stir in the corn syrup and heat through until smooth and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and red icing color for a glossy finish. Let this gel cool before gently spooning it over the cheesecake.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Serving Your Cheesecake

Slice into this gorgeous cheesecake and serve it chilled to showcase its luscious layers. It’s perfect for parties, birthdays, or a cozy family dinner. Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Storing Your Sweet Creation

Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. A well-wrapped cheesecake can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before serving again!

Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter with no lumps.
2. Avoid Cracks: Remember to let the cheesecake cool in the oven to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.
3. Level Up: For an added bit of flair, top with fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate right before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to play with this recipe! For a burst of flavor, add a hint of peppermint extract during the mixing process for a festive twist, or switch up the crust by using regular graham crackers for a milder taste.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, and it often tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.

What should I do if the cheesecake cracks?

No worries! If cracks appear, cover them with your gel frosting. It adds to the charm of your dessert!

Can I use a different flavor of graham crackers?

Definitely! Feel free to use any flavor of graham crackers that you love. Chocolate adds a richer depth, but vanilla or even something fruity can work wonders too.

Step into your kitchen, give this Bloody Good Cheesecake a try, and delight your family and friends with a dessert that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching. Happy baking!