Description
This festive Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the vibrant flavor of red velvet cake layers, all topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Red Velvet Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1–2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare the cheesecake batter by blending cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into a greased or parchment-lined pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until set. Remove from oven and chill thoroughly before assembly.
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layers: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow layers to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth, free of lumps.
- Assemble the Cake: Start with one red velvet cake layer on your serving plate, spread an even layer of cheesecake on top, then add the second red velvet cake layer. Use the cream cheese frosting to cover the top and sides of the assembled cake, smoothing it out for a polished finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and meld the flavors. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Chilling the cheesecake layer fully before assembly prevents mixing layers during cake stacking.
- Adjust red food coloring according to desired color intensity for the red velvet layers.
- This cake is best served within 2 days and kept refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cake, Red velvet cheesecake, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, red velvet cake
