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Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake combines the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet cake with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer and a buttery chocolate cookie crust. Finished with luscious cream cheese frosting and a fruity glaze, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Crust

  • 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: Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.
  2. Bake Red Velvet Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring until smooth. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth to avoid overmixing. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake layers cool completely.
  3. Make Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream or heavy cream until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust (or into a prepared pan if not using the crust). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, just until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow to cool fully and then chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully add the chilled cheesecake layer on top of this, spreading a light layer of frosting on the cheesecake to help the next cake layer stick. Add the second red velvet cake layer on top. Finish by frosting the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing the sides and top evenly.
  5. Add Glaze & Decorate: Warm the strawberry or raspberry jam with water and lemon juice over low heat until it becomes pourable. Let the glaze cool slightly before gently pouring it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate the cake using piped cream cheese frosting, red velvet cake crumbs from trimming, and scatter dark chocolate chips over the top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • The cookie crust is optional but adds a delicious chocolate base and crunch.
  • Use red gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant red color without adding extra liquid to the batter.
  • Make sure not to overmix the cake batter to keep the cake layers light and tender.
  • Allow the cheesecake layer to chill thoroughly to ensure firm slicing and layers that hold well.
  • The jam glaze adds a lovely fruity contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting.

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

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