Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake (Printable version)
Moist red velvet layers beautifully swirled with rich, creamy cheesecake batter. A stunning dessert perfect for any celebration.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Red Velvet Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp baking powder
04 - ½ tsp baking soda
05 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - ½ tsp salt
07 - 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
08 - ½ cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
11 - 1 tsp white vinegar
12 - 2 tbsp red food coloring
→ For the Cheesecake Swirl
13 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
14 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 large egg
16 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring. Mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix to maintain tender texture.
05 - In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix until creamy and well-blended.
06 - Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl for a marbled effect.
07 - Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. A small amount of cheesecake on the toothpick is acceptable.
08 - Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get two incredible desserts in every single forkful
- The swirl looks impressive but requires zero fancy decorating skills
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly and prevent lumps in your cheesecake layer
- A little cheesecake on your toothpick is totally fine but wet batter means more time
03 -
- Gel food coloring gives you that deep red without altering the batter consistency
- Spray your knife with cooking spray between slices for perfect clean cuts