Cheesecake Cake (Cheesecake Factory–Inspired) Recipe
This Cheesecake Cake is a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and moist red velvet cake, inspired by the Cheesecake Factory. It features a luscious baked cheesecake layer, topped with layers of vibrant red velvet cake and a rich cream cheese frosting, finished with white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Perfect for special occasions or any indulgent dessert craving.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 cups Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup Sugar
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1/3 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Pinch Salt
Red Velvet Cake
- 2½ cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1½ cups Sugar
- 1 cup Buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Vinegar
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 1–2 tablespoons Red food coloring (gel)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1/2 cups Heavy cream (cold)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 2 cups Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1¼ cups Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Decoration
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Wrap a 9-inch springform pan tightly with foil to prevent water leakage and place it in a deep roasting pan to create a water bath.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the batter is fully combined.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Carefully add boiling water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath to promote even baking and prevent cracks.
- Finish Cheesecake Layer Baking: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Then, turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes to avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Cool and Freeze Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, freeze it for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm it up for assembly.
- Prepare Red Velvet Cake Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Cake Batter: Incorporate vegetable oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended. Add red food coloring and mix gently to maintain the vibrant color and tender texture.
- Bake Red Velvet Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely, then level the tops to ensure even stacking.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over it.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Remove the frozen cheesecake from the freezer and trim the edges if necessary to fit. Place it atop the frosted cake layer and frost lightly over the cheesecake.
- Top with Second Cake Layer: Add the second red velvet cake layer on top of the cheesecake. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with white chocolate shavings and cake crumbs if desired for an elegant finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth batter and frosting.
- Using a water bath for the cheesecake layer prevents cracking and yields a creamy texture.
- Freezing the cheesecake layer before assembly helps maintain clean slices when cutting the finished cake.
- Adjust red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet color.
- The cake is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Cheesecake Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Cheesecake Factory Inspired, Cream Cheese Frosting, Baked Cheesecake, Layer Cake