Best 17 Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipes

CHEESECAKE LAYERED RED VELVET CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottom of a 9-in. springform pan with parchment; grease paper., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream, flour and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into prepared pan. Place on a baking sheet., Bake until center is set, 40-50 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate until ready to assemble, covering when completely cooled. , For cake, increase oven setting to 350°. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper., In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool completely. , For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in enough confectioners' sugar to reach desired consistency. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with 1 cup frosting. Carefully place cheesecake over frosting., Spread cheesecake with another 1 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate overnight before serving.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. , In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, buttermilk, cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in food coloring. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. , Bake until center is just set and top appears dull, 60-70 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove sides of pan., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Frost top of cheesecake. Refrigerate until serving.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray 2, 9-inch springform pans with cooking spray.
• Sift flour, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Whisk in oil, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, white sugar, and buttermilk. When well blended, whisk in food coloring and water. Pour half of the batter into each prepared pan.
• Bake cakes in preheated oven until cake toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; about 30 minutes.
• While the cake is cooling, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Mix in the sugar and cornstarch; beat until creamy. Add the 2 remaining eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Use a hand whisk to mix in the heavy cream until well blended. Pour half of the batter over each cake layer.
• Bake cheesecakes in preheated oven until set and beginning to brown, 30 to 45 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 additional hour.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SHEET CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
• Blend cake mix, water, oil, and 3 eggs in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth. Spread half the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Beat 1 1/2 packages cream cheese, white sugar, and egg white together in a separate bowl using an electric mixer until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture into the cake batter in the pan. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading evenly to cover the cream cheese mixture completely.
• Bake in the preheated oven until top is firm and no longer shiny, about 40 minutes. Let cake cool completely, at least 40 minutes.
• Combine remaining cream cheese and butter in a bowl. Add confectioners' sugar; mix until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract until combined. Add milk; mix until smooth. Spread icing over the cooled cake.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE CAKE

Steps:

• For cheesecake:.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Set a kettle of water on to boil.
• Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, scraping down side of bowl.
• Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy.
• Beat in lemon juice and salt.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the side of the bowl after each.
• Beat in the sour cream.
• Spray the pan with non-stick spray like Baker's Secret.
• Cut parchment paper in a circle and line the bottom of the cheesecake pan. Spray the parchment.
• Wrap bottom half of pan in foil.
• Pour in filling and place in a large, oven safe pan.
• Pour in boiling water to come halfway up side of the springform pan.
• Bake until just set in center, about 45 minutes.
• Remove pan from water. Let cool for approximately 20 minutes.
• Run a knife around edge and continue to cool completely.
• Carefully place a plate on top of cooled cheesecake layer and flip it over onto plate. Remove parchment paper.
• Cover in plastic wrap and freeze.
• For the cake:.
• Preheat oven to 350°. I always use cake strips on all the cakes I bake because the cakes turn out perfectly flat on top. So soak your cake strips and attach them to your pans now if you're using them.
• Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and salt into a medium bowl.
• Beat eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined.
• Add dry ingredients and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Divide batter evenly between 2 greased and floured 9" round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool 5 minutes, then invert each onto a plate, then invert again onto a cooling rack. Let cakes cool completely.
• If you didn't use cake strips, level the layers now.
• Frosting:.
• Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined.
• Add sugar and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes.
• Assembly:.
• Place bottom layer on cake stand.
• Remove cheesecake from freezer, unwrap and place cheesecake layer on top of the bottom layer of the red velvet cake.
• If the cheesecake is wider than the cake, and it is necessary to to trim it, wait approximately 10 minutes for the cheesecake to soften, then trim it with a knife.
• Place top layer of cake on top of the cheesecake, and coat with a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting to act as the crumb coat.
• Refrigerate approximately 30 minutes, then frost with as much of the remaining frosting as necessary.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8- or 9-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease.
• 2. In a small heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave on high, stirring at 30 second intervals; set aside to cool for a few minutes.
• 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the red food coloring. Add the chocolate-butter mixture and stir until smooth (batter should be red). Add the flour and salt; stir until just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain.
• 4. Pour into prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer; set aside.
• 5. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drop in dollops onto prepared brownie batter in pan. Using a butter knife, gently swirl to create a marbled effect.
• 6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until brownies are set and the edges are lightly browned.
• 7. Cool in the pan on a rack completely before peeling off foil and cutting into squares.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• NOTE: Brownies can be refrigerated, covered, for several days.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on all sides, and lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a small heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave on high, stirring at 30 second intervals; set aside to cool for a few minutes.
• In a large bowl, whisk to combine 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and enough red food coloring to turn mixture deep red.
• Add chocolate-butter mixture and stir until smooth.
• Add flour and ½ teaspoon salt; stir until just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Batter should be dark red. Add additional food coloring if necessary.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, remaining 1/3 cup sugar, remaining egg, remaining ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth.
• In a checkerboard pattern, place spoonfuls of brownie and cheesecake batters into prepared pan. Using a butter knife or skewer, swirl to create a marbled effect.
• Transfer to oven and bake until brownies are set and edges are lightly browned, about 40 minutes.
• Cool completely on a rack and transfer to refrigerator until well-chilled, at least 2 hours and up to three days in advance.
• Cut into 9 squares and serve.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300°F. Wrap outside bottom and side of 10-inch springform pan with heavy-duty foil. Spray inside of pan with baking spray with flour. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cake mix for filling; set aside. In large bowl, beat remaining cake mix and butter with electric mixer on low speed. Press in bottom and 1 1/2 inches up side of pan.
• In large bowl, beat reserved 1/4 cup cake mix, the cream cheese, chocolate, sour cream, sugar and food color with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Pour over crust.
• Bake 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes or until edge of cheesecake is set at least 2 inches from edge of pan but center of cheesecake still jiggles slightly when moved. Turn off oven; open oven door 4 inches. Leave cheesecake in oven 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan on cooling rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Run small metal spatula around edge of pan; remove side of pan. Pipe whipped topping around outer edge of cheesecake. Store covered in refrigerator.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350. Prepare 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper long enough to hang over on two sides, making it easier to remove from pan once baked. Spray pan and paper.
• 2. In small saucepot over medium heat, or in the microwave, melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
• 3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vanilla and red food coloring with the sugar. Slowly add in chocolate mixture until well combined.
• 4. In small bowl, sift together cocoa, salt and flour. Add mixture to rest of batter. Do not overmix.
• 5. Pour batter into prepared baking pan
• 6. For the Cheesecake Layer Beat ingredients together until smooth. Pour over brownie batter. Use sharp knife to swirl together.
• 7. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until just set and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

RED VELVET-CENTER CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Stir the milk, food coloring, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract together in a small bowl; set aside.
• Beat the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Beat in the egg until smooth. Pour in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Once the cake has cooled, cut half of the cake into cubes, and set aside. Cut the remaining cake into 1/2-inch strips, and place onto a baking sheet.
• Return the cake strips to the oven, and bake until they have dried out, about 15 minutes. Turn the strips over halfway through cooking so they dry evenly. Once completely dry, allow to cool to room temperature, then crush into fine crumbs.
• Combine the cake crumbs with the melted butter until evenly moistened. Press into a 10-inch springform pan, and refrigerate until the butter has hardened, about 45 minutes.
• When the crust has nearly hardened, whip the whipping cream until stiff; set aside. Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl with 2/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream until evenly mixed. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture into hardened crumb crust. Spread the cake cubes evenly over the cream cheese mixture, then spread the remaining cream cheese over top. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until the cream cheese has set and the cheesecake is firm.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES

Steps:

• 1.Preheat oven to 350. Prepare 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper long enough to hang over on two sides, making it easier to remove from pan once baked. Spray pan and paper. 2.In small saucepot over medium heat, or in the microwave, melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Allow to cool slightly. 3.In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vanilla and red food coloring with the sugar. Slowly add in chocolate mixture until well combined. 4.In small bowl, sift together cocoa, salt and flour. Add mixture to rest of batter. Do not overmix. 5.Pour batter into prepared baking pan. For the Cheesecake Layer 6.Beat ingredients together until smooth. Pour over brownie batter. Use sharp knife to swirl together. 7.Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until just set and toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool. Enjoy!

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
• Whisk melted butter with 1 cup sugar in a large mixing bowl; stir cocoa, red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, vinegar, and salt into butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps. Stir 2 eggs into mixture until thoroughly combined.
• Stir flour into cocoa mixture just until combined; set aside 1/4 cup batter. Pour remaining batter into the prepared baking dish.
• Beat cream cheese in a bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy; beat 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract into cream cheese until very well blended and only small lumps remain, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Spoon cream cheese mixture in dollops over the batter in pan; gently smooth tops of dollops even with batter using a knife or offset spatula. Do not overmix. Drizzle reserved 1/4 cup of batter over the dollops of cream cheese mixture. Drag a knife or skewer through the batter and cream cheese mixture to create swirls.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars; store covered in refrigerator.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE-CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place a large roasting pan on the lower third rack of the oven. Place a kettle of water on the stove to boil. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Wrap a double layer of foil around the bottom and up the sides of the pan (you want to seal it so the water from the water bath doesn't seep into the pan). In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the cream cheese- blend until it is nice and smooth and creamy. Mix in sugar and salt and blend for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. Finally, mix in sour cream, whipping cream and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan into the roasting pan in the pre-heated oven. Carefully pour the hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan (it will fill the pan surrounding the cheesecake). Pour enough water so that there is about an inch of water coming up the foil along the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes. It should be set to the touch and not jiggly. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. When it has cooled, place the pan into the freezer and let the cheesecake freeze completely. This can be done in several hours- or overnight.
• 2. Prepare the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round metal baking pans (or spray with nonstick baking spray with flour). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and vinegar to the flour mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pans, then invert cakes onto a rack to cool completely.
• 3. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla until it is smooth and creamy (do not overbeat).
• 4. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer into the center of a cake plate or platter. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, take off the sides of the pan, and slide a knife under the parchment to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Peel off the parchment. Measure your cheesecake layer against the cake layers. If the cheesecake layer turns out to be a slightly larger round than your cake, move it to a cutting board and gently shave off some of the exterior of the cheesecake to get it to the same size as your cake layers. Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer. Place the 2nd cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
• 5. Frost the cake: Apply a crumb coat layer to the cake- use a long, thin spatula to cover the cake completely with a thin and even layer of frosting. Be sure to wipe off your spatula each time you are about to dip it back into the bowl to get more frosting (this way you won't be transferring any red crumbs into the bowl of frosting). Don't worry at this point about the crumbs being visible in the frosting on the cake. When your cake has a thin layer of frosting all over it, place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to "set" the frosting. Once the first layer of frosting is set, apply the 2nd layer. Start by adding a large scoop of frosting onto the top of the cake. Use a long, thin spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top and then spread it down the sides of the cake too. Because you applied a crumb-coat layer, you shouldn't have any red crumbs floating around in the final frosting layer. Decorate, as desired. I recommend white chocolate shavings (see *Tips below). Keep this cake refrigerated.

LOW CARB/ LOW SUGAR RED VELVET CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8 X 8 inch pan.
• Red Velvet: Add melted butter to a large bowl and add sugar substitute, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar, mixing after each addition. Whisk the eggs into cocoa mix. Mix flour until lightly combined. Pour batter into prepared pan leaving 1/3 cup left for top of bars.
• Cream Cheese: Blend together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Spread the cream cheese on top of red velvet layer in pan. Put remaining red velvet mix on top of cream cheese layer. Use top of knife to swirl through cream cheese mixture to create swirl pattern. Bake the brownies for 30 minute Remove and allow them to cool before cutting. ENJOY! :).

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar; press mixture into bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
• Beat 3 packages of cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar at medium-low speed for 1 minute.
• Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined.
• Pour batter into prepared crust.
• Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm.
• Run a knife along outer edge of cheesecake.
• Turn oven off.
• Let the cheesecake stand in oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
• Cover and chill 8 hours.
• Beat 3 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter at medium speed until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla beating until smooth.
• Spread evenly over top of chilled cheesecake.
• Remove sides of springform pan.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE RECIPE - (4.2/5)

Steps:

• Prepare the cheesecake layer: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place a large roasting pan on the lower third rack of the oven. Place a kettle of water on the stove to boil. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Wrap a double layer of foil around the bottom and up the sides of the pan (you want to seal it so the water from the water bath doesn't seep into the pan). In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to mix the cream cheese blend until it is nice and smooth and creamy. Mix in sugar and salt and blend for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. Finally, mix in sour cream, whipping cream and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan into the roasting pan in the pre-heated oven. Carefully pour the hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan (it will fill the pan surrounding the cheesecake). Pour enough water so that there is about an inch of water coming up the foil along the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes. It should be set to the touch and not jiggly. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. When it has cooled, place the pan into the freezer and let the cheesecake freeze completely. This can be done in several hours or overnight. Prepare the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round metal baking pans (or spray with nonstick baking spray with flour). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and vinegar to the flour mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pans, then invert cakes onto a rack to cool completely. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla until it is smooth and creamy (do not overbeat). Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer into the center of a cake plate or platter. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, take off the sides of the pan, and slide a knife under the parchment to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Peel off the parchment. Measure your cheesecake layer against the cake layers. If the cheesecake layer turns out to be a slightly larger round than your cake, move it to a cutting board and gently shave off some of the exterior of the cheesecake to get it to the same size as your cake layers. Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer. Place the 2nd cake layer on top of the cheesecake. Frost the cake: Apply a crumb coat layer to the cake. Use a long, thin spatula to cover the cake completely with a thin and even layer of frosting. Be sure to wipe off your spatula each time you are about to dip it back into the bowl to get more frosting (this way you won't be transferring any red crumbs into the bowl of frosting). Don't worry at this point about the crumbs being visible in the frosting on the cake. When your cake has a thin layer of frosting all over it, place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to "set" the frosting. Once the first layer of frosting is set, apply the 2nd layer. Start by adding a large scoop of frosting onto the top of the cake. Use a long, thin spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top and then spread it down the sides of the cake too. Because you applied a crumb-coat layer, you shouldn't have any red crumbs floating around in the final frosting layer. Decorate, as desired. I recommend white chocolate shavings. Keep this cake refrigerated.

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the cheesecake layer:
• 2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place a large roasting pan on the lower third rack of the oven. Place a kettle of water on the stove to boil.
• 3. Spray a 9-inch spring form pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Wrap a double layer of foil around the bottom and up the sides of the pan (you want to seal it so the water from the water bath doesn't seep into the pan).
• 4. In a large bowl,(I use my food processor) use an electric mixer to mix the cream cheese- blend until it is nice and smooth and creamy. Mix in sugar and salt and blend for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, blending after each addition. Finally, mix in sour cream, whipping cream and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
• 5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan into the roasting pan in the pre-heated oven. Carefully pour the hot water from your kettle into the roasting pan (it will fill the pan surrounding the cheesecake). Pour enough water so that there is about an inch of water coming up the foil along the sides of the cheesecake pan.
• 6. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes. It should be set to the touch and not jiggle. Remove the cheesecake from the roasting pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour. When it has cooled, place the pan into the freezer and let the cheesecake freeze completely. This can be done in several hours- or overnight.
• 7. Prepare the cake layers:
• 8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round metal baking pans (or spray with nonstick baking spray with flour). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla and vinegar to the flour mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat for 1 minute, until blended. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pans, then invert cakes onto a rack to cool completely.
• 9. Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla until it is smooth and creamy (do not over beat).
• 10. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer into the center of a cake plate or platter. Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, take off the sides of the pan, and slide a knife under the parchment to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Peel off the parchment. Measure your cheesecake layer against the cake layers. If the cheesecake layer turns out to be a slightly larger round than your cake, move it to a cutting board and gently shave off some of the exterior of the cheesecake to get it to the same size as your cake layers. Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer. Place the 2nd cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
• 11. Frost the cake: Apply a crumb coat layer to the cake- use a long, thin spatula to cover the cake completely with a thin and even layer of frosting. Be sure to wipe off your spatula each time you are about to dip it back into the bowl to get more frosting (this way you won't be transferring any red crumbs into the bowl of frosting). Don't worry at this point about the crumbs being visible in the frosting on the cake. When your cake has a thin layer of frosting all over it, place it into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to "set" the frosting. Once the first layer of frosting is set, apply the 2nd layer. Start by adding a large scoop of frosting onto the top of the cake. Use a long, thin spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the top and then spread it down the sides of the cake too. Because you applied a crumb-coat layer, you shouldn't have any red crumbs floating around in the final frosting layer. Decorate, as desired. I recommend white chocolate shavings.