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Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake Recipe

4.5 from 143 reviews

This indulgent Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake combines the classic rich and velvety red velvet cake layers with a creamy, smooth cheesecake center. It’s beautifully layered and frosted with classic cream cheese frosting, making it perfect for special occasions or a decadent dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Layer

  • Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated white sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Red Velvet Cake Layers

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (two 1-ounce bottles) red food coloring
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted to remove lumps
  • Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Set a large roasting pan on the lower third oven rack and start boiling water on the stove. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by spraying it with nonstick spray, lining the bottom with parchment paper, and wrapping it with double-layered foil to waterproof it. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and salt, blending for 2 minutes while scraping the bowl. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Place this pan into the roasting pan, then carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan to come one inch up the sides of the wrapped springform pan. Bake for 45 minutes until set but not jiggly. Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, then freeze until solid, preferably overnight.
  2. Prepare the Cake Layers: Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Beat on medium-low for 1 minute, scrape bowl, then beat on high for 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto racks to cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Frosting: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy but do not overbeat.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a cake plate. Remove cheesecake from freezer, remove springform sides, and peel off parchment. Trim cheesecake to match cake layer size if needed. Place cheesecake on the first cake layer, then top with the second cake layer.
  5. Frost the Cake: Apply a thin crumb coat layer of frosting all over the cake using a long, thin spatula, wiping off the spatula frequently to avoid picking up crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. Once set, apply a thicker second layer of frosting evenly on top and sides. Decorate as desired, such as with white chocolate shavings. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
  • Use a water bath when baking the cheesecake to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.
  • Freezing the cheesecake layer before assembly helps keep the layers distinct and firm.
  • Trim the cheesecake layer carefully to match cake layers for neat, even assembly.
  • Keep the finished cake refrigerated to maintain freshness and frosting consistency.
  • White chocolate shavings add a beautiful decorative touch and complement the flavors well.

Keywords: red velvet cheesecake cake, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, red velvet cake, cheesecake dessert, baking, party cake