Can’t decide between red velvet cake and cheesecake? Why not both! This dreamy dessert is made with layers of moist red velvet cake and rich cheesecake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. If you’ve been on the hunt for some show-stopping holiday desserts, I’ve got you covered. This red velvet cheesecake is a great one to make, as well as chantilly berry cake, cranberry Christmas cake, and gingerbread cake!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
When it comes to rich, indulgent desserts, both red velvet cake and cheesecake are at the top of the list. With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds! I’m not going to lie, this is one of the BEST cakes that I’ve had in a while. Red velvet cake is amazing on its own, but when you add a layer of cheesecake in between, it becomes absolutely irresistible. And as if it couldn’t get any better, this cake is topped with some homemade cream cheese frosting for extra decadence. You won’t be able to stop after the first bite! (I don’t blame you if you keep the whole cheesecake for yourself!) Bring this red velvet cheesecake to any holiday gathering and it’s sure to be a hit. Just make sure to grab a piece for yourself before it flies off the table!
Ingredients Needed
The best part about this red velvet cheesecake recipe is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make it. (I used boxed red velvet cake!) So no need for an expensive grocery trip here! You’ll have most of the ingredients to make this cheesecake ready to go in your pantry. Note: all measurements can be found below in the recipe card.
Red Velvet Cake
Red Velvet Cake Mix: Let’s face it- the holidays can get pretty busy. For easier prep, feel free to use boxed cake mix for this recipe! Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients like oil and eggs to make it. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also make your red velvet from scratch! Find my full recipe here. It’s worth the extra effort, I promise! There’s nothing like a moist, homemade cake.
Cheesecake
Cream Cheese: This acts as the base of your cheesecake.Sour Cream: Sour cream may seem unconventional, but it helps make your cheesecake extra soft and delicious!Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake layer.Eggs: Give cheesecake its signature smooth texture.Vanilla: I recommend using pure vanilla extract because it makes such a difference in the overall flavor of your desserts!
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it mixes together with the other ingredients smoothly.Butter: Since we want the frosting to be rich and sweet, use unsalted butter.Vanilla Extract: Adds extra flavor to the frosting.Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and a smooth texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake
I know this list of instructions is lengthy, but trust me- making this red velvet cheesecake is actually really easy. I’ve broken the steps up into different sections to help simplify the process. Your guests will be so impressed; little do they know it took minimal effort to whip up! This is the perfect holiday dessert. Not only does it look amazing on any dinner table, but it tastes even better! Be sure to save a piece or two for yourself!
Red Velvet Layer
Cheesecake Layer
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Assembling the Cake
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Leaving the cream cheese and butter on the counter overnight makes it nice and soft. It also makes it easier to mix into a smooth batter.Scrape the Bowl: Scraping the bowl several times ensures the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.Let Cake Layers Cool: Be sure to assemble the cake after each cake layer has cooled to room temperature, it will hold up better that way.Use Chocolate Frosting: For all of my chocoholics out there, feel free to swap out the regular cream cheese frosting for chocolate cream cheese frosting instead! It gives this red velvet cheesecake some extra indulgence.
In the Refrigerator: Store leftover cheesecake either wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight cake container. It will stay good for 3-4 days.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake
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Peppermint Cheesecake
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.