Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe to Impress! Recipe
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.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill Cheesecake: Refrigerate cheesecake at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up completely for easier layering.
- 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.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cheesecake over the cake evenly.
- Top with Second Cake Layer: Carefully place the second red velvet layer on top of the cheesecake, pressing gently to adhere the layers together.
- Frost Cake: Cover the entire layered cake with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a lighter option, smoothing evenly.
- 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