Have you ever wondered why certain desserts evoke such strong emotions and cravings? One beloved treat that stands out is the Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting. This decadent dessert not only pleases the palate but often becomes the centerpiece of celebrations and gatherings. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make this stunning cake, empowering you to create a masterpiece that dazzles your friends and family.

Ingredients Needed

To create this mouthwatering Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups flour: A fundamental building block for your cake, providing structure and texture.
1 1/2 cups sugar: This will sweeten your cake perfectly while balancing the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances overall flavor.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for giving your cake that light, fluffy texture.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture to the batter.
6 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of our cream cheese cake, offering a tangy flavor.
4 large eggs: The binding agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and deep flavor.
1 cup buttermilk: Serves to keep the cake ultra-moist and adds a slight tang.
3 tablespoons cocoa powder: Gives our red velvet batter a rich and chocolatey hue.
Red food coloring: A few drops will transform a simple batter into a vibrant red creation.
1 cup heavy cream: Essential for creamy, dreamy frosting.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: For the frosting, lending both flavor and richness.
2 cups powdered sugar: Adding sweetness and creating a velvety smooth texture in the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To enhance the frosting flavor beautifully.

Timing

Creating this delightful cake will take about 90 minutes, significantly less time than many similar dessert recipes which often take up to two hours. Here’s the breakdown:

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Frosting and decorating: 15 minutes

How to Make Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting

Preheat your oven: To 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
Cream the butter and cheese: In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs and liquids: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Prepare the red velvet batter: Divide the batter evenly. In one half, mix in cocoa powder and red food coloring until vibrant.
Bake the cakes: Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool.
Make the frosting: Beat heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Layer and frost: Once the cakes are completely cooled, layer them and frost generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Decorate and serve: Add any decorative touches you like and enjoy this indulgent treat!

Nutritional Information

A slice of Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting (approximately 1/12 of the cake) contains roughly:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 6g
Sugars: 30g

This indulgent dessert should be enjoyed in moderation, but the pleasure of a homemade slice can’t be overstated!

Healthier Alternatives For Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting

Want to make your cake a bit healthier? Consider the following substitutions:

Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese in the frosting. It provides creaminess while cutting down on calories.
Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.
Use unsweetened applesauce as a fat substitute for butter to reduce saturated fats.

Serving Suggestions

This Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting is incredibly versatile. Serve it at birthday parties, weddings, or even a special weekend brunch. Consider slicing the cake and serving it with fresh berries or drizzling a homemade raspberry sauce over the top for an appealing contrast of flavors. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience further.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure your cake turns out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls:

Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined!
Not letting the cakes cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt off.
Using cold ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth blending.
Not properly measuring ingredients: Always measure accurately, especially with flour and sugar.

Storing Tips For Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting

To maintain freshness and flavor:

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
To prepare in advance, you can bake the cake layers and freeze them un-frosted, then frost the day you plan to serve.

Conclusion

Creating a Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right ingredients and steps, you can impress anyone with this delicious masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and try your hand at this delightful recipe! Don’t forget to share your feedback and check out similar posts for more culinary adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I use another type of cream cheese?

Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese or even flavored varieties can add an interesting twist to the frosting.

How do I achieve the best red color?

Use a high-quality gel food coloring; it’s more concentrated than liquid dye, producing a more vibrant color without altering the cake’s consistency.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

By following these guidelines, you’ll create a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also delicious. Happy baking!

Cream Cheese Cake with Red Velvet Fudge Frosting

Author: linda
Prep Time: 30
Cook Time: 28
Total Time: 90
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A decadent Cream Cheese Cake topped with rich Red Velvet Fudge Frosting, perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
Red food coloring (a few drops)
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Divide the batter evenly. In one half, mix in cocoa powder and red food coloring until vibrant.
Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool.
Beat heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, layer them and frost generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Add any decorative touches you like and enjoy this indulgent treat!

Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: cream cheese cake, red velvet cake, dessert, baking, celebration