Description
Celebrate in style with this patriotic cheesecake recipe featuring a moist red velvet cake base topped with a rich, creamy blue-tinted cheesecake layer and decorated with festive patriotic sprinkles. Perfect for Independence Day or any patriotic celebration, this dessert combines classic flavors with a visually stunning presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pan Preparation
- Butter (for cake pan, as needed)
- Flour (for cake pan, as needed)
Cake Base
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 8-oz. packages cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Sky blue gel food coloring (quantity as needed to achieve desired color)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Decoration
- 1 piping bag fitted with a star tip
- Patriotic sprinkles (as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven according to the red velvet cake mix instructions. Butter and flour a suitable cake pan to prevent sticking. Prepare the red velvet cake batter following the box directions, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually around 25-30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in sour cream, flour, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined. Add sky blue gel food coloring gradually, mixing until the desired shade of blue is achieved.
- Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the blue cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled red velvet cake base. Return to the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set but a slight jiggle remains in the center. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: Using a chilled mixing bowl and whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Decorate the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and firm, pipe decorative swirls or rosettes of whipped cream on top. Generously sprinkle patriotic sprinkles over the whipped cream for a festive finish. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color without altering the consistency of the batter.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves texture and flavor.
- For easier removal, line the cake pan with parchment paper before buttering and flouring.
- Patriotic sprinkles can include red, white, and blue stars, nonpareils, or sugar crystals to enhance the festive look.
