Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake: An Irresistible Treat

Indulge in the rich, velvety layers of a homemade Red Velvet Cheesecake from scratch, a stunning dessert that combines the classic appeal of red velvet cake with the creamy texture of cheesecake. Often associated with Southern cuisine and special occasions, red velvet cake traces its roots back to the early 20th century. This dessert is celebrated for its vibrant color, soft crumb, and subtle cocoa flavor, all while being beautifully adorned with a cream cheese frosting that makes it a showstopper.

Whether you’re preparing for a birthday celebration, a holiday gathering, or simply looking to satisfy your sweet cravings, this easy Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe is sure to please. With layers of luscious cheesecake filling and vibrant red velvet cake, topped with a delightful cream cheese frosting, this dessert is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual masterpiece. If you’re focused on dietary preferences, we even provide tips for a vegan Red Velvet Cheesecake! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful twist on a classic.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (plus chilling time)
Serving Size: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Red Velvet Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (or almond milk for dairy-free)
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream (or dairy-free yogurt)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

9-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
Sifting spoon or fine sifter
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Set aside to firm up.
Make the Red Velvet Cake: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, beaten eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold the batter gently until it’s beautifully red and smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the red velvet batter evenly over the crust in the springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, mix in the sour cream and flour until smooth. The filling should be velvety and free of lumps.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the red velvet cake layer is cool, pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the top. Carefully spread it to cover the entire cake. Place it back in the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until airy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and continue to mix on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frost the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, carefully release it from the springform pan. Top with the cream cheese frosting, spreading it evenly over the top. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or fresh berries.

Special Notes

For storage, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk until the desired consistency is reached. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest texture.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-based cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives, use almond milk instead of buttermilk, and ensure that the eggs are replaced with flax eggs or a similar vegan egg replacement.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free.
Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

For those curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s an estimated estimate per slice (assuming 12 slices):

Calories: 350
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

Imagine slicing into this red velvet cheesecake, revealing rich, contrasting layers of deep red and creamy white. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting your taste buds to indulge. A glossy cream cheese frosting sits atop, glimmering with the promise of decadence. Each bite offers a soft and velvety texture complemented by the slight tang of the cream cheese, leaving you with a craving for more. Adding high-quality images at each stage of preparation, showcasing the stunning finished product, will undoubtedly entice viewers.

Conclusion

This Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this cheesecake combines the beloved traditions of red velvet cake and classic cheesecake into a remarkable dish. We invite you to give this recipe a try and share your experience! Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish!