Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion with this Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake, a rich, creamy cheesecake nestled between two layers of moist red velvet cake, all covered in luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you crave something decadent, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layers:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
3. Add the second red velvet cake layer.
4. Frost the entire cake with the prepared cream cheese frosting.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving):

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 78g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 58g
• Fiber: 1g

History and Origin of Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake has a rich history, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century in the United States. Originally, the term “velvet” was used to describe cakes with a soft, tender crumb, which was a result of using cocoa powder and buttermilk. The red color was initially a natural reaction between the cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like vinegar and buttermilk, which gave the cake a reddish hue. Over time, bakers began enhancing the color with red food coloring, leading to the vibrant red cakes we recognize today. Cheesecake, on the other hand, has ancient origins dating back to ancient Greece.

Why This Cake Stands Out

What makes the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slight cocoa flavor of the red velvet layers complements the creamy, tangy cheesecake beautifully. The cream cheese frosting ties everything together, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that satisfies multiple cravings at once, the moistness of the cake, the smoothness of the cheesecake, and the lusciousness of the frosting.

Perfect Occasions for Serving

This cake is ideal for a variety of occasions. Its striking appearance makes it a showstopper for holiday gatherings like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, where its red hue fits perfectly with the festive themes. It’s also a popular choice for weddings and anniversaries due to its elegance and rich flavor profile. Even for casual get-togethers, this cake can serve as the centerpiece, impressing guests with its taste and presentation.

Tips for Making the Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake

To ensure your Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake turns out perfect, consider the following tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
2. Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Proper Cooling: Allow the cheesecake layer to cool completely and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to ensure it sets properly before assembling.
4. Level Your Cakes: If your red velvet cakes dome on top, level them with a serrated knife to ensure the cheesecake sits evenly between the layers.
5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

Variations and Customizations

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

1. Chocolate Variation: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake and cheesecake for extra richness.
2. Fruit Addition: Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers for a fruity twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make the cake layers suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Mini Versions: Create individual-sized mini cakes for personal servings, perfect for parties or gatherings.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This cake is best stored in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting and cheesecake layer. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It can be stored for up to 5 days. For serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to cut and enhancing its flavors.

Nutritional Information

While this cake is undoubtedly indulgent, it’s helpful to be aware of its nutritional content, especially for those monitoring their intake. Each serving provides approximately 640 kcal, with 78g of carbohydrates, 8g of protein, and 34g of fat. It also contains 15g of saturated fat, 95mg of cholesterol, 480mg of sodium, and 58g of sugar. As a rich dessert, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake is a dessert that brings together the best of two worlds—the moist, cocoa-flavored delight of red velvet cake and the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake. Covered in luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Its versatility allows for various customizations, making it a favorite for many. Enjoy every decadent bite of this ultimate dessert fusion!