RED VELVET-WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

This is a beautiful cake recipe I got in 2013 from a Southern Living Magazine. It was in the Christmas edition and does make a beautiful holiday cake. It is also perfect for any occasion where a gorgeous cake is called for.

• CHEESECAKE LAYERS:
• 2 (8-in.) round disposable aluminum foil cake pans
• 1 (12-oz.) package white chocolate morsels 
• 5 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• RED VELVET LAYERS:
• 1 cup butter, softened 
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 (1-oz.) bottles red liquid food coloring
• 3 (8-in.) round disposable aluminum foil cake pans
• White Chocolate Frosting:
• 2 (4-oz.) white chocolate baking bars, chopped
• 1/2 cup boiling water 
• 1 cup butter, softened 
•  (32-oz.) package powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• GARNISHES:
• Store-bought coconut candies
• 
  
• 1. Prepare Cheesecake Layers: Preheat oven to 300°. Line bottom and sides of 2 disposable cake pans with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.
• 2. Microwave white chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl according to package directions; cool 10 minutes.
• 3. Beat cream cheese and melted chocolate at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in 1 Tbsp. vanilla. Pour into prepared pans.
• 4. Bake at 300° for 30 to 35 minutes or until almost set. Turn oven off. Let cheesecakes stand in oven, with door closed, 30 minutes. Remove from oven to wire racks; cool completely (about 1 1/2 hours). Cover and chill 8 hours, or freeze 24 hours to 2 days.
• 5. Prepare Red Velvet Layers: Preheat oven to 350°. Beat 1 cup butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add 6 eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• 6. Stir together flour and next 2 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in 2 tsp. vanilla; stir in food coloring. Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch disposable cake pans.
• 7. Bake at 350° for 20 to 24 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely (about 1 hour).
• 8. Prepare Frosting: Whisk together chocolate and 1/2 cup boiling water until chocolate melts. Cool 20 minutes; chill 30 minutes.
• 9. Beat 1 cup butter and chilled chocolate mixture at low speed until blended. Beat at medium speed 1 minute. Increase speed to high; beat 2 to 3 minutes or until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beating at low speed until blended. Increase speed to high; beat 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth and fluffy.
• 10. Assemble Cake: Place 1 layer Red Velvet on a serving platter. Top with 1 layer Cheesecake. Repeat with remaining layers of Red Velvet and Cheesecake, alternating and ending with Red Velvet on top. Spread top and sides of cake with White Chocolate Frosting. Store in refrigerator.