Description
There’s something magical about summer holidays—the laughter, the sunshine, and of course, the desserts! One of my all-time favorite festive treats is the Red White and Blue Cheesecake Cake, a showstopper that perfectly captures the spirit of the 4th of July and Memorial Day celebrations. Imagine a luscious vanilla cheesecake layer sandwiched between two vibrant vanilla cake layers—one dyed a patriotic red velvet hue, the other a rich blueberry blue—all frosted with a silky cream cheese frosting and finished with playful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- Cream cheese (full fat is best)
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Cake Layers Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vanilla extract
- Gel paste food coloring (red and blue)
- For the red layer: a touch of cocoa powder to mimic red velvet texture (optional)
- Frosting Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Milk (for consistency)
- Optional festive sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preparing the Vanilla Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sugar, eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake at 325°F for about 45 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely, then freeze the cheesecake layer for easier handling during assembly.
- Baking the Red and Blue Colored Cake Layers:
- Prepare your vanilla cake batter as usual.
- Divide the batter in two bowls, mixing red gel paste coloring and a bit of cocoa powder into one, and blue gel paste coloring into the other.
- Bake each layer in greased 9-inch round pans at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool layers completely on wire racks.
- Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, vanilla, salt, and a splash of milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Assembling the Layered Cheesecake Cake:
- Place the red cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Carefully add the frozen cheesecake layer, trimming edges if needed to fit.
- Spread frosting over the cheesecake.
- Add the blue cake layer on top.
- Apply a crumb coat frosting technique—a thin layer of frosting over the whole cake to trap crumbs—then chill briefly.
- Finish with a final thick frosting layer, smooth with a spatula, and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Pro Tip: Use gel paste coloring instead of liquid food coloring—it won’t thin your batter and provides those bold, vibrant shades perfect for patriotic cakes! Freezing the cheesecake layer before assembly helps prevent breakage and makes handling a breeze. Keep the cake refrigerated until serving to maintain firmness and freshness. Best gel paste food coloring brands: Wilton and AmeriColor. Prevent cheesecake cracks by baking at a lower temperature and avoiding overmixing. Use an offset spatula and warm water to smooth frosting. Store refrigerated, covered, or freeze after assembly. Add edible glitter, mini American flags, or festive sprinkles for decoration.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg