Ingredients
Scale
- 24 Oreo cookies (for crust and layering)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for crust)
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Substitution tips: If you prefer a gluten-free crust, try gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies. For dairy-free options, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, though texture may vary slightly. And if buttermilk is hard to find, mix 1/4 cup milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by wrapping the bottom with foil to prevent leaks, and lightly grease the sides.
- Crush 18 Oreo cookies finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and pounding gently. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until combined.
- Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This step reminds me of Mama Lou’s advice: “Beat the cream cheese well—it’s the heart of your cheesecake.”
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and white vinegar. Add this dry mixture to the cream cheese batter and mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- Stir in the red food coloring until the batter is evenly tinted a deep red.
- Roughly chop the remaining 6 Oreos and gently fold them into the batter, saving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
- Pour the batter over the cooled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight wobble. This wobble means a creamy, luscious cheesecake.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. This slow cooling prevents cracks—a trick I picked up watching Mama Lou’s patient hands at work.
- Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, run a knife around the edges, release the springform pan, and garnish with reserved Oreo pieces or even a light dusting of cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International

