If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious, this Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake is the one. Combining the richness of red velvet cake with the creamy smoothness of cheesecake, this recipe creates a dessert that’s moist, tangy, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake delivers that bakery-style taste right from your kitchen.
The beauty of this Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake lies in its simplicity — made with a box mix base yet elevated with a homemade cream cheese swirl and frosting. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
Table of Contents
Moist, Creamy, and Easy to Make
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake is designed to impress without stress. It requires only a few simple steps and common kitchen tools, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. The combination of velvety red cake, cheesecake swirl, and rich cream cheese frosting creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite unforgettable.
The red velvet base keeps the cake soft and moist, while the cheesecake swirl adds a luscious, tangy contrast. And the final touch — a creamy vanilla-infused frosting — ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• Red Velvet Cake Mix: Forms the soft, chocolatey base of the cake.
• Water: Keeps the cake batter moist and smooth.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps maintain a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and give the cake structure.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer and frosting, offering a tangy, creamy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly.
• Egg White: Helps the cheesecake swirl set lightly while baking.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and body to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Cake Mix: Try chocolate or strawberry cake mix for a creative twist.
• Cream Cheese: Use a lactose-free version for a lighter option.
• Oil: Substitute with melted butter or coconut oil for richer flavor.
• Sugar: For a reduced-sugar version, use a sugar substitute designed for baking.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the box instructions and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and egg white until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the red velvet batter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese through the red velvet batter gently, creating a marbled pattern.
- Add the remaining red velvet batter on top and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and cut into squares to serve.
Baking Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake
• Don’t overmix the batter — overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• For the swirl, make slow, gentle motions to get those beautiful marbled patterns.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cheesecake and frosting texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake pairs beautifully with a range of accompaniments:
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries balance the richness.
• Whipped Cream: Adds lightness and extra creaminess.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch.
• Coffee or Hot Cocoa: Perfect beverages to complement the cake’s richness.
You can also dress up your cake for special occasions by topping it with heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or crushed candy canes during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake
This recipe combines ease with elegance. You get the satisfaction of a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The red velvet base adds chocolatey flavor and festive color, while the cheesecake swirl gives it a creamy surprise in every bite. And that cream cheese frosting? It’s the ultimate finishing touch.
With its moist texture, creamy layers, and balanced sweetness, this Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake isn’t just another dessert — it’s a showstopper. Whether you’re baking it for a party, gifting it to friends, or enjoying it as a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes.
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 349
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 38g
Conclusion: A Dessert That Always Impresses
The Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake is a stunning combination of texture, flavor, and ease. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy enough for holidays and celebrations but simple enough for everyday indulgence. The velvety red layers and the smooth, tangy cheesecake swirl create a perfect balance that melts in your mouth, while the cream cheese frosting adds that irresistible sweet finish.
What makes this cake truly special is its versatility — you can bake it for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or family gatherings and it will always impress. Plus, with the convenience of a cake mix base, even beginner bakers can achieve professional-looking results.
Whether served chilled or at room temperature, each bite of this cake delivers rich flavor and a beautiful presentation. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake recipe for every special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake batter instead of a box mix?
Yes! If you prefer to make your red velvet base from scratch, it will work beautifully. Just make sure your batter has a similar consistency to boxed mix to maintain the same texture. The cheesecake swirl will still blend perfectly with a homemade batter.
2. How can I tell when the Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake is done baking?
Check the center of the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Be careful not to overbake — the cheesecake layer should still be slightly soft and creamy.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake up to two days in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, frost it the day you plan to serve it.
More Relevant Recipes
- Brown Butter Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Blueberry Peach Crumble
- NO BAKE BANANA PUDDING DESSERT
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Cake combines the richness of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake swirl and smooth cream cheese frosting. Easy to make with a boxed mix, this moist and tangy dessert is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz red velvet cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese (for swirl)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg white
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package directions and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 egg white until smooth.
- Pour half of the red velvet cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Add the remaining red velvet cake batter on top and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use a homemade red velvet batter if preferred; ensure it has a similar consistency.
- Top with festive sprinkles or drizzle with chocolate for a special touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 349
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 339 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
