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Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake

Luscious Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake for Special Celebrations

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Layer Cake is an indulgent dessert that's perfect for special celebrations.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder Ensure it's unsweetened for balanced sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Use both baking soda and baking powder for optimal leavening.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Canola oil or melted coconut oil can be used.
  • 3 large eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar).
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar Optional but recommended for flavor enhancement.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring Important to use gel.
For the Cheesecake Layer
  • 16 ounces cream cheese Heavy cream can substitute in a pinch.
  • 1 cup sour cream
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips Optional garnish.
  • 1 cup strawberry or raspberry jam For the glossy red berry glaze.

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Hand Mixer
  • 9-inch round pans
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Prepare the Cookie Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, stir until mixed. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes until set. Cool on wire rack.
Make the Red Velvet Cake Batter
  1. Adjust oven back to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Combine both mixtures and divide into two greased 9-inch pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until clean. Cool in pans before transferring to wire rack.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
  1. Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Pour over cooled crust or in lined pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, cool in oven for an hour, then chill.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Once cooled, start assembling. Place one layer of red velvet on a plate, frost with cream cheese frosting, layer cheesecake on top, then add another red velvet layer if desired. Frost entire cake.
Add the Finishing Touches
  1. Warm the strawberry or raspberry jam until pourable, then drizzle over the top. Optionally, sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Chill for at least one hour before serving. Slice and present chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 7gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best incorporation. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense texture. Allow cooling time for cake layers before assembly.

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