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A decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake that combines cake mix convenience with a rich cheesecake swirl, all baked in a loaf pan. Each slice reveals beautiful swirls of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, topped with cream cheese frosting for the perfect indulgent dessert.
This recipe transforms the traditional layer cake concept into an easy loaf cake version, proving that impressive desserts don't need to be complicated.
Essential Ingredients
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: Plus box ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature
- Sour Cream: Room temperature
- Granulated Sugar: For cheesecake
- Large Eggs: For both mixtures
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For flavor
- Unsalted Butter: For frosting
- Powdered Sugar: For frosting
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Initial Setup:
- Prepare cake mix according to box directions. Line two 9x5-inch loaf pans with parchment, or one pan plus cupcake liners. Have cream cheese and sour cream at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Cheesecake Mixture:
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add egg, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until completely blended with no lumps. This ensures perfect swirls.
- Assembly Process:
- Divide cake batter between pans. Top each with cheesecake mixture. Use knife to gently swirl batters together - don't overmix. Cheesecake will sink slightly during baking.
- Baking Method:
- Bake until tester comes clean when inserted in cake portion. Cheesecake areas will be slightly jiggly but set. Cool completely in pans.
- Frosting Finish:
- Top with cream cheese frosting once completely cool. Cream cheese frosting is traditional but can use any preferred frosting style.
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The key is gentle swirling. As my pastry chef mentor would say, "Less is more when creating the perfect marble effect."
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Storage and Make-Ahead Success
Store cake in refrigerator covered for up to 5 days. The cream cheese components require refrigeration, but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake well and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.
Temperature and Serving Variations
Let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor. For special occasions, garnish with chocolate shavings, red sprinkles, or fresh berries. Create an elegant dessert platter by serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. During holidays, add festive decorations to the frosting.
Creative Adaptations
Transform this recipe using different cake mix flavors - chocolate, vanilla, or spice cake all work beautifully with the cheesecake swirl. Experiment with different frosting flavors, or try adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture. While variations are welcome, the classic red velvet with cream cheese frosting creates that perfect combination that's hard to beat.
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Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake represents the perfect marriage of convenience and elegance. Each slice delivers beautiful swirls of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, proving that impressive desserts don't need to be complicated. Whether you're looking to impress guests or create something special for a celebration, this recipe shows that combining simple techniques with quality ingredients creates something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different cake mix flavors?
- Yes, any cake mix flavor works well with the cheesecake swirl.
- → Why must ingredients be room temperature?
- Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly and prevent lumpy cheesecake filling.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days due to cream cheese filling.
- → Why did my cheesecake sink?
- This is normal and won't affect the taste. The cheesecake naturally settles during baking.