Red Velvet Cheesecake
Treat yourself with a slice (or two) of this divine Red Velvet Cheesecake. Tender red velvet cake sandwiches creamy cheesecake for the ultimate dessert pairing. Based on the Cheesecake Factory's decadent version, this unforgettable cheesecake recipe is perfect for Valentine's Day, date night in, or just because.
I have made my share of red velvet desserts over the years, but this red velvet cheesecake truly stands above the rest. Moist red velvet cake layered with creamy cheesecake all wrapped up in a velvety cream cheese frosting… What more could you want?!?
Cheesecake Factory Copycat Recipe
This beauty originated at the Cheesecake Factory, where all incredibly decadent cheesecakes are born into existence.
For a long time, Oreo cheesecake reigned supreme for me, then I tried some different varieties and crowned the Snickers cheesecake as my favorite. It's been many years since we've had a slice from there, but my husband has an old standby favorite - the red velvet cheesecake. It is a four-layered dessert, with two layers each of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, all covered in cream cheese icing. I was so excited to make my own homemade version finally!
A previous version of this cheesecake recipe featured all four layers, but slicing a cheesecake in half horizontally isn't the easiest, so I've streamlined and simplified the recipe. If you want to go the full four-layer route, double the cheesecake layer, and once it has been chilled, slice it in half horizontally and alternate layers with the red velvet cake.
Important Ingredients
While many of the ingredients for the cake and cheesecake are pantry and refrigerator staples (flour, sugar, eggs, etc.), there are a few important ones to make note of:
For the Cheesecake
- Cream Cheese – For the cheesecake layer. Use full fat cream cheese to ensure the cheesecake is rich and creamy.
- Heavy Cream – This softens the texture of the cream and cheese and adds a little moisture. It is sometimes also called heavy whipping cream. You can substitute half and half or whole milk if necessary.
For the Cake Layers
- Cocoa Powder – Use unsweetened, natural cocoa powder here. We want to avoid Dutched since it has already been alkalized.
- Vinegar - The reaction of the vinegar with the buttermilk helps to pull out the red hue in the cocoa powder. For this recipe, we use white vinegar, but you could also substitute apple cider vinegar.
- Buttermilk - Using soured milk is a key component of red velvet cake batter, as the acidic liquid is needed to combine with the baking soda and cocoa powder to get the rise and texture right. You can substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
- Baking Soda - This works magic with cocoa powder and buttermilk to get a beautiful rise and tender crumb.
- Red Food Coloring - We want to boost that beautiful red color! If you prefer to use gel food coloring, substitute 1 teaspoon gel food coloring and add about 1 tablespoon of water.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake
Now on to the cheesecake… this really isn't terribly difficult, just a little time-consuming. It helps to spread the work out over a couple of days, and then it's easy breezy.
The Cheesecake Layer
To start, you will want to make the cheesecake first to ensure it sets and cools in time. I would plan to make the cheesecake layer at least one day in advance. Here is the cheesecake-making process:
Step #1: Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper (pre-cut parchment rounds are so handy for things like this!).
Step #2: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture is creamy with no lumps. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time.
Step #3: Pour the filling into the pan and bake until the cheesecake is set and does not jiggle (40 to 55 minutes). Remove from the oven and cool for an hour on a wire rack. Once at room temperature, place in the freezer for 3 hours, or overnight.
The Red Velvet Cake Layers
Red velvet cake often gets written off as just a red chocolate cake, but it is SO much more than that. With a slightly acidic taste coming from the buttermilk and the white vinegar, this unique cake truly stands alone. The cocoa powder is actually subdued a bit by the acidity of the buttermilk and vinegar, leaving a very mild chocolate flavor.
For this recipe, I doubled the recipe for my Red Velvet Cupcakes and used the batter to make two 9-inch cake rounds. A quick overview:
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then grease two 9-inch cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, grease the parchment paper, and then coat the pan in flour, tapping out any excess.
Step #2: Using a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together, then add the egg and beat until well incorporated.
Step #3: In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, which will make a thick paste. Add it to the batter and mix until combined.
Step #4: On low speed, alternate adding the buttermilk and flour, then beat on high until smooth.
Step #5: On low speed again, add the salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Beat on high until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
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Step #6: Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a thin knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then remove the cakes from the pans and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Note: You can also use a red velvet cake mix and prepare according to the package directions for two 9-inch cake layers.
Cream Cheese Frosting
I use my favorite cream cheese frosting to cover this beautiful dessert:
Step #1: Beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt with an electric mixer on low until smooth. Then mix for an additional 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Step #2: Increase the speed to medium-low and add the cream cheese, one piece at a time, and mix until smooth. Then mix for an additional 2 minutes.
Assembling the Cheesecake
Now that you have all of the components made for this decadent cheesecake, let's get it put together:
- Level the tops of the cakes if necessary, then place one cake layer on a serving platter.
- Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and remove the sides of the springform pan. If the cheesecake is wider than the cake layers, use a sharp knife to gently shave off some of the sides of the cheesecake so it is the same width as the cake layers.
- Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer, upside-down., and then frost the whole thing with the cream cheese frosting.
Decorate and Serve
After frosting the cake, you have a blank canvas for decorating. Some ways you can spice up the look of this cake are to:
- Pipe the edge with a shell border and fill the center with red velvet cake crumbs. For a tutorial on shell borders, check out this example from Wilton.
- You can use red velvet cake crumbs to press on the side of the cake.
- Top the finished cake with shaved white or dark chocolate!
- Press red or pink sprinkles into the sides of the cake, or garnish the top with them.
When you are ready to serve, dish out your slices as is or with a side of whipped cream.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This is a perfect dessert to make ahead of time! Each of the components can be made in advance, and the whole red velvet cheesecake is best when chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Cheesecake Layer: This can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Cakes: Once the cakes have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Frosting: This can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
How to Store the Finished Red Velvet Cheesecake
Keep this cheesecake in an airtight container (or wrapped in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Freezing Instructions
This freezes very well! You can freeze any or all of the components, or freeze the entire assembled cheesecake:
- To Freeze the Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Move the wrapped cakes to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use them.
- To Freeze the Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; allow to come to cool to room temperature, and then stir vigorously with a rubber spatula before spreading or piping.
- To Freeze the Whole Cheesecake: Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it with foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a ziploc freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
More Red Velvet Recipes You Must Try
- Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Easy Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- Creamy Red Velvet Ice Cream
- Red Velvet Roll Cake
If you make this red velvet cheesecake recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating - it helps others find the recipe! ❤️️
Red Velvet Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup (99 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1½ cups (298 g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup (26 g) + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons red food coloring, liquid
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 2¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups (454 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 16 ounces cream cheese, chilled and cut into 16 pieces
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
- Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the cream cheese, sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture is creamy and no lumps of cream cheese remain, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the heavy cream and vanilla, and beat to combine. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating for about 15 seconds before adding the next. Using a rubber spatula, mix a few times by hand to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake until the cheesecake is set and does not jiggle, about 40 to 55 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, place it in the freezer for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Make the Red Velvet Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with a parchment round, butter the parchment paper, and then flour the pans.
- On medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to high and add the eggs one at a time, mixing for about a minute after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and beat until well incorporated.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and red food coloring to make a thick paste. Add to the batter and mix on medium speed until completely combined. You may need to stop the mixer to scrape the bottom of the bowl, making sure that all the batter gets color.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining buttermilk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.
- Again, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, baking soda and vinegar. Turn to high and beat for another couple of minutes until completely combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a thin knife or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes and then remove cakes from the pans and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt on low speed until smooth, then mix for an additional 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. Increase the speed to medium-low and add the cream cheese one piece at a time and mix until smooth, then mix for an additional 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Red Velvet Cheesecake: Level the tops of the cakes if necessary, then place one cake layer on a serving platter. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer and remove the sides of the springform pan. Slide a knife between the bottom of the cheesecake and the parchment paper to remove the cheesecake from the pan bottom and parchment round. If the cheesecake is wider than the cake layers, use a sharp knife to gently shave off some of the sides of the cheesecake so it is the same width as the cake layers.
- Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer, upside-down.
- Spread a very thin layer of cream cheese frosting (the "crumb coat") over the top and sides of the cake, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting. Then apply another liberal coat of frosting and decorate as desired. Keep refrigerated, then let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans / 9-inch springform pan
- Buttermilk: You can substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
- Cocoa Powder - Use unsweetened, natural cocoa powder. We want to avoid Dutched since it has already been alkalized.
- Cream Cheese - For both the cheesecake layer and the frosting, use full fat cream cheese, otherwise you can have a watery consistency.
- Food Coloring: If you prefer to use gel food coloring, substitute 1 teaspoon gel food coloring and add about 1 tablespoon water.
- Make-Ahead Tips: I highly suggest making the cheesecake at least one day in advance of serving but it can also be made up to 3 days in advance. You can make the cake layers up to 2 days in advance without freezing. Bake, cool, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. The frosting can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Storing: Keep this cheesecake in an airtight container (or wrapped in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- To Freeze the Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Move the wrapped cakes to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use them.
- To Freeze the Cream Cheese Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight; allow to come to cool to room temperature, and then stir vigorously with a rubber spatula before spreading or piping.
- To Freeze the Whole Cheesecake: Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then cover it with foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a ziploc freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Photography by Dee Frances
The original recipe was published in February 2012.
I just finished making the cake. I believe it is going to taste great, but splitting the cheesecake in layers was very messy. It also broke apart. Can you share some secrets?
Hi Monique, I use a wire cake splitter like this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TYDU1A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003TYDU1A&linkCode=as2&tag=broeyebak-20&linkId=SJ2EMNLFFJYYYASP
Can I use clear (imitation) vanilla for the frosting to keep it white? Will that alter the taste? Or, 1/2 clear and 1/2 regular. I notice that 2 tablespoons of real changes the color of the frosting.
Hi Andrea, Yes you can use clear!
Do you have a sugarless recipe for diabetics?
Hi JoAnn, I do not, sorry.
Hi!
Do you used any specific instrument to cut the cheesecake, beside the cake lifter? and how do you prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the spring pan, so it can be easy to remove it?
thank you!!
Hi Alan, I use a very sharp slicing knife for cutting the cake. In the directions it calls for buttering the springform pan; that’s all you need to do to keep it from sticking.
I remembered when the Cheesecake factory first started selling the red velvet cheesecake. My sister and I was anxious to try it that we were quickly disappointed because it did not meet the expectation we were so hyped up about. I’m going to try it again for the 2nd time, but I will make it from scratch myself. This will determine for me if this is a winner or just let it be and stick to the regular red velvet cake.
Hi Michelle, this recipe looks incredible! This time around, though, I need to make a standard red velvet layer cake, preferably with three 8-inch rounds. Any thoughts on how many times I should multiply your cupcake recipe to fill those? Also, do you think the amount of cream cheese frosting in the recipe here be enough to frost a three layer?
Thanks so much for any help you can give. Looking forward to making this.
I served this for Christmas dessert and it was a big hit and very festive. I was drawn to this recipe when I saw the picture of the cake. The red and white combination was beautiful and the perfect ending to a colorful holiday meal. Presentation, presentation, presentation. Absolutely delicious too!!!
1) I sprinkled silver sugar on top rather than red.
2) It is very rich so cut small pieces.
3) I used a wire cake leveler. Good inexpensive investment and I paid $3.99.
4) The assembly was a bit challenging. I froze the red velvet cakes, but the cheesecake once cut in half was difficult to separate. I used a 7″ round spatula for transfer and it started to separate . Once it was frosted, you could not tell.
5) This cake takes time, so plan accordingly. I made it over a 3 day period. Made the red velvet cakes first and froze them. Next day made the cheesecake and refrigerated
overnight. Next day (Christmas morning) made frosting, assembled, frosted and refrigerated until ready to serve.
This cake is worth making and your guests will be impressed with your talent!
I’m really excited to try this recipe, and the cupcakes version, too. As I was converting the butter amounts into grams, I noticed that the amount of butter called for in the cake version (1 cup = 226.8g) is 4 times the amount of what’s called for in the cupcakes (4 Tbsp = 56.7g), but every other ingredient is only doubled. I’m a little confused by this. Is this a mistake? Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Gloria, You are correct – that’s an error. I’ve changed it above. It should be 8 tablespoons (½ cup). So sorry about that!
This truly is simply amazing. Thank you very much for posting it! The family is wanting just cheesecake so I immediately thought of this cheesecake recipe. Do you think it would be possible to press a crumb crust in the bottom and still bake in water bath? Thank you! :)
Hi Ally, I think that would be fine. Just make sure to wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time and writing me back. Have a great day! :)
I can’t believe it! I missed the tbsp of vinager and used a tsp. the entire cake collapsed and was hard. Guess I will just have to make a box cake because that was a lot of work :-(
Would it turn out much different if I used cake flour instead of all purpose? Ive noticed that whenever I use all purpose for cake, it has a kind of flour-y after taste
Hi Katie, Using a different flour will affect the final texture. You really shouldn’t notice any aftertaste if the flour is thoroughly mixed into the batter.
I made this cake last night. I baked the cheesecake exactly according to the instructions. The only difference was that my springform pan is more like 11-12 inches instead of 9. It was at 350 for 55 minutes and then when I turned the oven off I left it in there for an hour. This morning when I went to construct the cake the cheesecake was very mushy and soggy. I’m not sure if this is just a softer cheesecake, but I am used to a firm cheesecake. It still tastes good. Did this happen because the pan was larger? Is it ok to serve to my friends later?
Hi Erica, A different size pan can definitely cause a different texture if you baked it for the same amount of time.
OMG! me and my friends tried to make it several weeks ago. It did not look as good as yours but it definitely tastes like restaurant styled cheesecake. Thank you for sharing!
I have made this cake for Vday two times! It is so delicious and beautiful! It always WOWS everyone and they say “you made that?” Thanks BEB!
The second time I cheated a little and made my layers like this: red velvet, the entire cheesecake, topped with the other red velvet. It was still a stunning presentation and tasted just as fabulous!
hi! would like to make this cake for my wedding anniversary. the directions to make the cheesecake needs to add eggs one at a time but the ingredients doesn’t have any eggs listed. so how many eggs do I need for the cheesecake?
thanks!
Hi Len, The eggs are actually listed, they are the 3rd ingredient in the list. In any event, you need 4 eggs.
Hi! How could I go about making this recipe into cupcakes?
Hi Hailey, I’m not sure, actually, since this is actually the combination of two different recipes that are prepared and baked separately, just assembled together.
Thanks for this amazing recipe. I make it all of the time and everyone loves it. I was wondering, do you think that this recipe would also work if I used the same cheesecake recipe and assembly directions, but tried a different cake recipe? Such as carrot cake or chocolate cake? Thanks!!
Yes, definitely!
I want to take this to Christmas with my family, but it is about a 7 hour drive. if I refrigerate prior to leaving, would the cake made the trip?
Hi Sue, I would not recommend leaving this out of the refrigerator for 7 years. You might want to try packing it in a cooler, though.
This looks yummy! Will try this soon.. What are those red spots around the cake on top and in between
Layers? Thanks!
Hi Gina, Those are red, pink and white nonpareils.
THANK YOU for this amazing recipe. I found this recipe on Pinterest and had to try it for Thanksgiving. Your directions were spot on and everything turned out perfect. Perhaps next time I will keep the cheesecake in tact and not cut it in half. Other than that, wouldn’t change a thing. You now have a new fan!
Hi, can I replace buttermilk with whole milk+1tbsp vinegar? Will it makes any difference in taste and final result?
Yes, that would work just fine.
Where can I buy a big spatula like that
Wow! I made this and it was absolutely amazing. You are my go to for any recipe that I think about making! I have made about 5 of your recipes, and they have all turned out wonderful! Thank you! :-)
Ok wow! I am making this for my husband who is addicted to red velvet cake and cheesecake separately. There’s no telling what will happen when I combine them! Lol. I just had a quick question. Would it be possible to make this and freeze for a few days before serving?Thank you very much!
Hi Alecia, I don’t think freezing for only a few days is necessary. You could refrigerate it (covered) and then leave it out at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Is it possible to use gelatin in the cheesecake instead of baking it? Also, 5 cups of powdered sugar seems awful sweet. Is it ok to maybe halve that?
Hi Rach, I would not recommend using gelatin (I assume in place of eggs?) and not baking this. The texture would be quite different. I would recommend making it as directed above. You cannot reduce the sugar by half and leave the rest of the frosting the recipe the same or it will be way, way too thin. If you’d prefer less sugar, I would recommend seeking out another cream cheese frosting recipe that uses less.
I made this yesterday and served it up today for a get-together with our favorite family friends….it was a knock-out! My father and hubby are still shaking their heads in disbelief at my latest baked confection and my friends almost ate the whole thing!
I love this cake at CCF and know I know how to make it at home…thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous recipe!
Hi,
I was wondering if I can substitute raw beetroot juice (squeezed from grated beetroot) for the red colouring since you mentioned that might be how the original red velvet cake came about. Or any other ways you know not to use artificial coloring. I love red velvet cake but don’t want my kids to have too much artificial coloring in their food.
Hi Lisa, I don’t have any experience using raw beetroot juice, but you could certainly try it. Let me know how it goes.
Hi, can I replace buttermilk with whole milk+1tbsp vinegar? Will it makes any difference in taste and final result?
Two of my favorite things in one! And I came across this recipe in perfect timing- my mother’s birthday is in 2 days! These also are 2 of HER favorite things!!!! Thanks :)
I made this form my mom for her birthday in April this year. Red Velvet is her favorite cake but I wanted to do something different this year. I had difficulty cutting the cheesecake in half lenthwise, so I abandoned that idea and just put the cheesecake between the red velvet layers. Everyone LOVED it! And, of course they wanted the recipe until they realized how many steps were involved. LOL!!!! Thanks Michelle!
The directions for the cheesecake part says add heavy cream but the ingredience part doesn’t list heavy cream at all. How much heavy cream is suppose to be added?
Hi Natalie, The heavy cream is included in the ingredient list; it’s under “For the Cheesecake”.
hi,
i am thinking of doing doing only one layer of each. so i will just half the quantity.should i adjust the temp or time?
I think you could halve the quantities and be okay (although I’ve never done this so I can’t guarantee). The temperature would stay the same, but you would need to decrease the baking time for the cheesecake (the one layer of red velvet cake should stay the same since you would have divided the batter into two pans anyway).
thanks!