Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.
In a stand mixer with the whisk paddle attached, beat together the cream cheese and white sugar. This will take a few minutes.
8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup white sugar
Add in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla and continue on whisking. Make sure to scrap the bowl down every so often (a spatula works best for this).
1 egg, 2 tsps vanilla, 1/4 cup sour cream
Add in the cocoa powder. Then drop the food colouring in and mix until a smooth red colour appears.
3 tsps red gel food colouring, 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
Fill each of the muffin liners up to the top with batter. Since there is no leavening agent, this cheesecake does not rise so you don't have to worry about spillage.
Tap the pan against the counter a few times gently to alleviate any air bubbles.
Bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep a close eye after 12 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheesecake is soft to the touch but does not stick to your fingers.
Allow to cool completely. This is necessary if piping whipped cream on top.