Name: Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 16 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Introduction

This Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the festive flavors of red velvet cake. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday gatherings that’s both indulgent and beautifully layered.

The image shows a slice of Christmas red velvet cheesecake on a white plate with a floral design. The slice has three layers: the bottom and top layers are deep red velvet cake with a soft, crumbly texture, and the middle layer is creamy white cheesecake. On top, there is a smooth white frosting layer, decorated with a swirl of white cream. Red berries, a small green pine sprig, and a red glittery decoration shaped like coral or branches sit on the cream, adding a festive look. The background is a white marbled texture with blurred red and gold Christmas decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 (for cake)
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs (for cake)
1–2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract (for cake)
1 tsp white vinegar
16 oz cream cheese (for cheesecake layer)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs (for cheesecake layer)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
8 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the cheesecake layer at 325°F (163°C) for 40–45 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and chill thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the red velvet cake batter by combining the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then mixing together with red food coloring and vinegar. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Step 3: Make the cream cheese frosting by beating 8 oz cream cheese with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the cake by placing a layer of red velvet cake on your serving plate, followed by the chilled cheesecake layer, then another red velvet cake layer. Cover the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
Step 5: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm holiday twist.
For a more intense red color, add a bit more red food coloring gradually.
Use a water bath when baking the cheesecake layer to prevent cracks.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it well wrapped to prevent it from absorbing other odors. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes for the best texture. You can also freeze the cake for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A festive, two-layer red velvet cheesecake sits on a vintage pedestal cake stand, featuring a bottom dark red velvet layer, a thick creamy white cheesecake layer in the middle, and another red velvet layer on top. The top surface is decorated with swirls of smooth white cream, small green Christmas tree-shaped confections, and clusters of bright red berries, some dusted lightly with powdered sugar, creating a lively and festive look. The whole cake has a light dusting of powdered sugar around its base on the cake stand. The background is softly blurred with warm Christmas lights and decorations, and the cake sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake benefits from being made ahead. Prepare and assemble it a day before serving, allowing the flavors to develop and the frosting to set well.

What’s the best way to get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. Beat them together thoroughly until smooth before adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract.