Red Velvet Dough Cheesecake

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

2️⃣ Make the Red Velvet Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Beat until fully incorporated and vibrant in color.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft, pliable dough forms. The dough should hold its shape but still be easy to spread.

3️⃣ Assemble the Base & Filling

1. Press about two-thirds of the red velvet dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the base layer.
2. In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will form your cheesecake layer.
3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the red velvet base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4️⃣ Add the Topping

1. Crumble the remaining red velvet dough over the top of the cheesecake layer. You can leave some cheesecake peeking through for a marbled effect.

5️⃣ Bake & Chill

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

6️⃣ Slice & Serve