Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 6 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you are craving a dessert that delivers the best of two worlds, the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper you must try. This luscious creation layers a dense, creamy cheesecake right between two moist, vibrantly red velvet cake layers, all wrapped up in a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent yet not overwhelming, with just the right balance of textures and flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to impress friends and family, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of baking ingredients placed on a wooden surface. There are eight eggs in two groups – three inside a blue bowl on the lower left and one cracked with its shell on a wooden board to the right. The wooden board also holds a large block of butter and a metal whisk. To the left, a red bowl is filled with white powdered sugar, and a blue bowl above it contains cocoa powder. At the bottom center, a small bowl holds coffee grounds, and directly above it, a white bowl with flour is visible. There is a white pitcher filled with milk at the bottom right and a tall glass jug filled with milk at the center top. There is also a small bottle of vanilla extract near the bottom left, next to a beige cloth with red stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient here is straightforward but plays an essential role in building the rich taste, silky texture, and signature red hue that define this Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe. From the smooth cream cheese that forms the cheesecake layer to the cocoa powder offering just a hint of chocolate, it’s all about simplicity and harmony in the flavors.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the tender red velvet cake layers, providing structure without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the cheesecake layers for that perfect balance of flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
Cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate note essential to authentic red velvet taste.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, allowing it to stay fresh longer.
Buttermilk: Reacts with baking soda for lift and adds a slight tang that complements the cheesecake.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to both cake and cheesecake layers.
Red food coloring: Gives the cake its eye-catching, classic red color.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness in all components.
White vinegar: Works with baking soda to help the cake rise and retain softness.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer and frosting, delivering smoothness and tang.
Sour cream: Makes the cheesecake denser and creamier with a subtle tartness.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and fluffiness to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting with a silky texture perfect for spreading.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan, which will create the perfect shape for the cheesecake. Then beat softened cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth to avoid any lumps. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring everything blends well before mixing in vanilla extract and sour cream. Pour this rich batter into the pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Cooling completely is key, so once out of the oven, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours to achieve that creamy, firm texture you want in your Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake

While the cheesecake chills, heat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch cake pans for a smooth release later. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. Divide the silky red batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool the cake layers completely before assembling to keep everything neat and prevent melting the frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

For that dreamy finishing touch, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until fluffy and light. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition to keep the frosting smooth without lumps. Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor. The frosting should be creamy and thick enough to hold its shape when spread, adding the perfect tangy-sweet complement to the rich layers underneath in this Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled red velvet cake layer on a serving plate as your base. Gently add the chilled, firm cheesecake layer on top—this is where all the magic happens. Crown the cheesecake with the second red velvet cake layer, creating that signature three-layer dessert. Generously frost the entire cake with your divine cream cheese frosting, smoothing it beautifully or piping it with whatever style you prefer. The result is a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, with a perfect balance of color and texture in every slice.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe

A white round cake with two visible layers is shown, the bottom and middle layers are deep red and soft, while the top and frosting layers are creamy off-white. The cake is decorated with swirls of creamy white frosting on top, mixed with small red crumbs. One slice is placed on a white plate in front of the cake, showing the red and creamy layers clearly. The plate rests on a wooden surface, and a woman's hand with a fork is near the slice. The background is a white marbled surface by a bright window, with a small white bowl of red powder nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cake’s presentation and flavor by adding simple yet elegant garnishes. Fresh raspberries or strawberries offer a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the creamy sweetness. Delicate chocolate shavings or curls on top provide a touch of sophistication. A light dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold leaf can elevate your Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe to party-ready status without overpowering its rich, velvety charm.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides to balance its richness. Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture. A simple mixed berry compote or a tangy citrus salad can cut through the sweetness, creating a perfectly rounded dessert experience that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving individual mini cakes or cheesecake-stuffed red velvet cupcakes for parties or gatherings. Layer the cheesecake and cake components in clear glass trifle dishes, allowing each layer to shine visually. You can also pipe the frosting decoratively around the edges or carve the cake into heart shapes for a special occasion. These creative presentations make the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover cake should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep the frosting moist and the cheesecake layer fresh. Keep it refrigerated, and it will maintain its delightful texture and flavor for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy another slice or two at a later time without losing any of the magic.

Freezing

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap the entire cake in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen correctly, it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy texture and prevent condensation from ruining the frosting.

Reheating

Because this is a layered cheesecake and cake dessert, reheating is generally not recommended; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, allow a refrigerated portion to sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying. This brings out the flavors beautifully without compromising the texture that makes the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk won’t provide the same tang and tender crumb that buttermilk delivers in this recipe. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Is it okay to bake the red velvet layers and cheesecake at the same time?

Because they bake at different temperatures and times, it’s best to bake them separately to ensure everything cooks properly. The cheesecake requires a lower temperature and longer bake, while the red velvet cakes bake hotter and faster for that perfectly soft crumb.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting your cake for the best texture and easy spreading.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake at a low temperature and remove it from the oven when the center still jiggles slightly. Cooling gradually and refrigerating for several hours will help it set perfectly without cracks forming.

Can I use a different color of food coloring?

You can experiment with different colors, but traditional red velvet is known for its vibrant red hue. If you substitute colors, keep in mind it might affect the classic flavor pairing and appearance of this beloved Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe is truly a dessert that brings joy with every forkful. It’s rich yet balanced, beautiful yet approachable, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this stunning cake your own—your taste buds will thank you!