Unleash Your Inner Baker with This Homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion

Few desserts capture the rich combination of flavors and textures like a red velvet cheesecake cake. This delightful dessert brings together the moist, velvety layers of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake center, all wrapped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a celebration or simply a treat-yourself moment, this homemade masterpiece is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

A Winning Combination of Flavors

The red velvet cake is known for its subtle cocoa flavor and its vibrant, eye-catching color. But when you pair it with a cheesecake layer, it becomes something truly special. The creamy cheesecake adds a smooth texture and a tangy richness that perfectly complements the soft, slightly tangy red velvet layers. And with the generous cream cheese frosting tying it all together, every bite is a decadent experience.

Creating the Perfect Layers

While this dessert may look complex, each step is simple, making it approachable even for beginner bakers. You’ll start by preparing the cheesecake layer. Softened cream cheese is blended with sugar, sour cream, and vanilla for a smooth and rich filling. Once the cheesecake is baked and cooled, it needs to chill in the fridge to ensure a firm consistency.

Next comes the red velvet cake. With its unique combination of vinegar, buttermilk, and a splash of cocoa powder, this cake is known for its tender crumb and brilliant red color. Baking soda helps the cake rise to create two even, fluffy layers. Once baked, the cakes are cooled and ready for assembly.

Frosting and Finishing Touches

No red velvet cake would be complete without its signature cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness of cream cheese combined with powdered sugar and vanilla makes this frosting a dream to spread across the cake. The frosting not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, smooth finish that makes this cake perfect for any celebration.

Recipe: Homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake

For the Red Velvet Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, until set. Cool completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Red Velvet Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until well combined. Slowly add the oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the red velvet batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Carefully remove the cheesecake layer from the springform pan and place it on top of the first cake layer. Top with the second red velvet cake layer.
6. Frost the Cake: Use the cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Smooth out the frosting and decorate as desired.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set.

Enjoy the Richness of Every Bite

This red velvet cheesecake cake is the perfect dessert for a special event or a memorable indulgence at home. With its layers of soft cake, rich cheesecake, and sweet-tangy frosting, it strikes the perfect balance between decadence and delight. Serve a slice at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

Sources for the Recipe:

• Sally's Baking Addiction
• Baker by Nature
• Taste of Home