Few desserts can rival the luxurious combination of a classic red velvet cake and a smooth, creamy cheesecake. This Red Velvet Cheesecake is the perfect indulgence for special occasions—Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat! With its stunning red hue, tangy cream cheese flavor, and velvety texture, this dessert will be the star of any celebration. If you’ve been searching for the best homemade red velvet cheesecake recipe from scratch, look no further!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Irresistibly Decadent – A luscious combination of cheesecake and cake in every bite.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A show-stopping dessert for holidays and celebrations.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the layers in advance for easy assembly.
- Easy to Customize – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or extra frosting to make it your own.
- Restaurant-Quality Dessert at Home – Create a bakery-style cheesecake with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, then mix until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is just set.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Place the red velvet cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top of the cake.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
- Optional: Garnish with red velvet cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean cuts.
- Storage – Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Option – Freeze (without frosting) for up to 2 months.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
- Add a Chocolate Drizzle – Melted chocolate can elevate the presentation and taste.
- For a Richer Flavor – Use high-quality vanilla extract and cocoa powder for a deeper taste.
- Use a Springform Pan – This ensures easy removal of the cheesecake layer without breaking.
- Bake in a Water Bath – Helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer.
The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe: A Decadent Delight!
This Red Velvet Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the best of both worlds—velvety red velvet cake and rich, creamy cheesecake. With its vibrant red color, silky smooth texture, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping treat is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion.
- Total Time: PT1H45M
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated suga
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream, then mix until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is just set.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Place the red velvet cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top of the cake.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides.
- Optional: Garnish with red velvet cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The cheesecake layer can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Decoration Ideas: Sprinkle red velvet cake crumbs on top or pipe extra frosting for an elegant touch.
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT1H15M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 560kcal
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: red velvet cheesecake, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, red velvet cake, birthday cake, cheesecake recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes! You can prepare both the cheesecake and red velvet layers a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Assemble and frost before serving.
Can I use a box cake mix instead of homemade red velvet cake?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a red velvet cake mix can work as a shortcut.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade between each cut.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Mixing mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the cheesecake batter adds extra flavor and texture.
Try More Delicious Desserts!
If you loved this recipe, try our Classic New York Cheesecake, Chocolate Lava Cake, or Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake for more irresistible treats!
Indulge in this homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake with cream cheese frosting, the best red velvet cheesecake recipe from scratch, and impress your loved ones with every creamy, velvety bite. This decadent homemade cheesecake with red velvet cake layers is sure to be your new favorite dessert. Whether you’re searching for the easiest red velvet cheesecake recipe for beginners or a gourmet red velvet cheesecake for special occasions, this guide has you covered. Happy baking! 🎂💕
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