Print

Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe to Impress! Recipe

4.7 from 62 reviews

This Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake combines the rich, moist flavors of classic red velvet cake with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer, perfect for special occasions or impressing guests. The layers are topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and decorated with cake crumbs or chocolate shavings for a stunning and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake

  • Red Velvet Cake Mix (or homemade mix ingredients)
  • Flour – 1 cup (if making from scratch)
  • Cocoa Powder – 2 tbsp
  • Baking Soda – 1 tsp
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Natural Red Food Coloring or Beet Juice – 2 tbsp
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (softened)
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp

Cheesecake Filling

  • Cream Cheese – 24 oz (softened)
  • Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
  • Sour Cream – 1/2 cup (or Greek Yogurt)
  • Eggs – 3 large
  • Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp

Frosting and Decoration

  • Cream Cheese Frosting or Whipped Cream – as needed
  • Red Velvet Cake Crumbs or Chocolate Shavings – for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy cake removal after baking.
  2. Mix Red Velvet Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake ingredients as per the recipe or box instructions, mixing just until well combined to avoid overworking the batter which can result in a tough cake.
  3. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
  4. Bake Cakes: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Let cakes cool 10 minutes in pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
  5. Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add granulated sugar, then sour cream or Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and creamy.
  6. Bake Cheesecake: Pour filling into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
  7. Chill Cheesecake: Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up completely for easier layering.
  8. Level Cakes: Once all components are cooled, level the tops of the red velvet cakes with a serrated knife if needed to ensure flat layers.
  9. Assemble Cake Layers: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cheesecake over the cake evenly.
  10. Top with Second Cake Layer: Carefully place the second red velvet layer on top of the cheesecake, pressing gently to adhere the layers together.
  11. Frost Cake: Cover the entire layered cake with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option, smoothing evenly.
  12. Decorate: Garnish the cake with red velvet cake crumbs or chocolate shavings to create a beautiful presentation and add texture.

Notes

  • Use natural red food coloring or beet juice as a healthier alternative to artificial dyes.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Do not overmix cake batter to keep the red velvet cake tender and moist.
  • Slow cooling of the cheesecake helps prevent cracks and maintains creamy texture.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves firmness and ease of assembly.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor melding.
  • Use a serrated knife to level cakes safely and evenly without crumbling.

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