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Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

This decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake combines moist, vibrant red velvet cake layers with a rich, creamy cheesecake center and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Enhanced by a optional chocolate cookie crust base and finished with a glossy berry glaze, this show-stopping dessert offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for special occasions or indulgent treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cookie Crust (Optional)

  • 2 cups (200 g) chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreo or similar, without filling)
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

Red Velvet Cake Layers

  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1–2 tbsp red gel food coloring

Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or heavy cream

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze & Decoration

  • ½ cup (120 ml) strawberry or raspberry jam
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Red velvet crumbs (from cake trimming)
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Extra frosting for piping

Instructions

  1. Make the Cookie Crust (optional): Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture has a wet sand texture. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.
  2. Bake Red Velvet Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, blend sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring until smooth. Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry, combining just until smooth. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  3. Make Cheesecake Layer: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream or heavy cream until fully incorporated. Pour batter over cooled cookie crust or into a prepared pan if skipping crust. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes until cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in center. Cool fully and refrigerate.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully add the chilled cheesecake layer, spreading a light frosting layer on it to help the next cake layer adhere. Add the second red velvet layer on top. Frost the entire cake evenly with remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing sides and top.
  5. Add Glaze & Decorate: Warm strawberry or raspberry jam with water and lemon juice over low heat until pourable. Let cool slightly, then drizzle over cake, allowing drips down the sides. Decorate with piped cream cheese frosting, red velvet crumbs from trimming, and scatter dark chocolate chips on top for texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • The chocolate cookie crust is optional but adds a delicious crunch and chocolate base to the cheesecake layer.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without thinning batter.
  • To avoid overmixing cake batter, combine wet and dry ingredients just until smooth.
  • Ensure cheesecake is slightly jiggly in the center before removing from oven for perfect texture.
  • Chilling cheesecake layer after baking helps it firm up for easier assembly.
  • Glaze can be warmed gently then cooled slightly before applying to prevent melting frosting.
  • Leftover frosting can be piped on for decorative accents.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cake, Cheesecake Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Layered Cake, Holiday Dessert

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/red-velvet-cheesecake-layer-cake-recipe/