The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
This Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of a classic cheesecake with the moist, vibrant red velvet cake layers, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a decadent and visually stunning dessert.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (including chilling/freezing time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup (99 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (298 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (26 g plus 1 tablespoon) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons red liquid food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 2¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (454 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, chilled and cut into 16 equal pieces
- Prepare the Cheesecake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, and salt on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 15 seconds between each. Scrape down the bowl and gently fold with a rubber spatula until well combined.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes until set and no longer jiggly. Cool on wire rack for at least 1 hour, then freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Red Velvet Cake Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper and butter the paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Increase speed to high and add eggs one at a time, beating about 1 minute after each. Scrape down bowl as needed.
- Make Color Paste: Stir cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Add to batter and mix on medium speed until color is uniform.
- Add Dry and Wet Ingredients: Lower mixer speed to low; add half the buttermilk, then half the flour. Mix just until combined, scrape down bowl. Repeat with remaining buttermilk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.
- Add Leaveners and Salt: Reduce speed to low, add salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake about 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low speed until smooth. With mixer on medium-low, add chilled cream cheese pieces one at a time. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
- Assemble Cake: If needed, level cake tops. Place one layer on serving platter. Remove cheesecake from freezer; release from pan and parchment. Trim cheesecake sides if larger than cake layers. Place cheesecake on first cake layer, then second cake layer on top upside down for flat surface.
- Crumb Coat and Chill: Spread a thin layer of frosting over entire cake to seal crumbs. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set.
- Final Frosting and Decoration: Spread generous frosting over cake top and sides. Decorate as desired.
- Serve and Store: Refrigerate assembled cake. Before serving, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps in cheesecake batter.
- Red food coloring is essential for classic red velvet color; gel or liquid can be used.
- Freezing cheesecake overnight helps it set well and makes assembly easier.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to trim cake and cheesecake layers for even stacking.
- Allow assembled cake to rest at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- Store any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: red velvet cheesecake, red velvet cake, cheesecake recipe, cream cheese frosting, layered cake, holiday dessert, rich cheesecake