Sunday, April 1, 2012

red velvet cake with cheesecake middle and piped roses


My husband Grant's parents came from Hawaii to visit us for two weeks in March, and during their stay we celebrated his mom's birthday.  I know that she loves red velvet cake, and she also loves cheesecake, so I decided to make her a red velvet cake filled with cheesecake!  I had never even heard of this cake until I read about it last year at 17 and baking (love her site!).  At the time, I thought it sounded like a very decadent dessert and wanted to try making it, but I never had a chance to, until now!

The night before making the cake, I baked the cheesecake layer.  I used a recipe from Dorie Greenspan's "Baking: From My Home to Yours" for basic tall cheesecake.  Since the recipe was for a 9-inch cheesecake, I divided everything by 1/4 since I was only making a 6-inch cake and I didn't want too tall of a cheesecake layer.


After baking the cheesecake in a water bath for 90 minutes, I propped open the oven door with a wooden spoon and allowed it continue to "luxuriate in it's warm bath" (as Dorie put it) for another hour.  Then I took it out and let it come to room temperature, before wrapping it up in saran wrap and putting it in the fridge overnight.


The next day, I baked the cake layers using my favorite red velvet recipe from Martha Stewart's "Cupcakes" book, except that I divided the recipe in half and poured the batter into two 6-inch pans instead of a cupcake pan.  Once they were baked and cooled, I started assembling my cake.


First I trimmed the tops off my red velvet cakes to make the surface even.  Then I placed the first cake layer right side up onto a 6-inch cake circle.  Next came the cheesecake - I unmolded it from the pan and placed it on top of the first cake layer.  Then I placed the second layer of cake upside down onto the cheesecake layer, so that I would have the smooth bottom of the cake to frost.



Next I whipped up a batch of cream cheese buttercream, and then spread a quick crumb coat of frosting onto the cake.


Then after a quick chill in the fridge, I used the rose cake method from I Am Baker to pipe my roses all over the cake.  (I've used her rose cake method a few times already, see here and here, and I still love the look every time).  I started by piping the top of the cake, then I piped the sides, and then I filled in any gaps with little swoops and swirls.



In hindsight, I probably should have spread a layer of frosting between the cake and cheesecake layer, as the cake started to shift a little when I cut into it, and the frosting layer would probably have held it in place.  Lesson learned.


Here's a final picture of my mother-in-law with the kids, who helped her to blow out the candles.  Happy Birthday!!!


137 comments:

  1. This cake is so lovely, I like the cheesecake layer btw the red velvet which is extra ordinary :)

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  2. Beautiful!!!!
    Many thanks for sharing!!!
    I will try to made in short time :))

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  3. The cake is beautiful.
    The photo of your family even more so.

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  4. thanks for the lovely comments everyone! :)

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  5. Wahhhhhhh beautiful cake, Michele! And I like the last picture. It's a great picture caught the right happy moment! :-)

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    1. It really is gorgeous. I'd love to try to make it but looked at
      I Am Baker and it seems to be infected with a virus. I looked at Wilton, but thought there may be more simple instructions? I'm new to cake decorating. Thanks!! Prettiest cake on the internet in my opinion. :)

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    2. @Anonymous - awww, thank you! regarding the instructions, maybe the virus has been corrected on I Am Baker's website? i saw yesterday that she posted a video tutorial on the roses, you should check it out!
      http://iambaker.net/patriotic-rose-cake-video-tutorial

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  6. Beautifully executed roses! Been meaning to try it...

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    1. @I Sugar Coat It! - thank you! you should definitely try it, it's super fun and very simple to do!

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  7. Wow adorable cake! Thank you for sharing with us the recipe and the joy on your children's faces when they saw it!

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  8. That is one of the most beautiful cakes I have seen! I want to eat it...and I don't even love red velvet. I may have to try that! Great job!

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    1. @Renate - aww, thanks for such a lovely comment!

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  9. What a great picture! Your kids & mil are beautiful!

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    1. @Anonymous - thank you! i'll met my mother-in-law know as well :)

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  10. Would you happen to have your chocolate cake recipe ? I have one but just dislike the flavor and smell of the baking soda.

    Thank you.

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    1. hi @Geet! i think i emailed you the recipe last week, but let me know if it didn't reach you!

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  11. Combining cheesecake and red velvet is right up my alley so I pinned one of your pics on my party food ideas so more people would find your instructions.

    If you would rather keep them to yourself, just contact me via the addy posted on the footer of my website and I'll take it right down.

    Jan
    Unique Baby Nursery Ideas

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  12. just an idea.. next time you could put one of the silver dragees on each center of every roses decoration on your cake.

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    1. @ningurlz - that's a great idea! thanks for the suggestion!

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  13. Wow! You're very talented! I'm here in your blog for a first time now and I´m just speechless. You have made amazing bakings. Where you are from? Are you professional? I have read Finland´s cake and baking blogs for a long time but still you´re blog is something that I haven´t ever seen, just beautiful work. :) You love baking, doesn´t you?

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    1. @Nora - i'm so glad you found the blog! yes you're right, i love baking! i am not a professional baker though, i'm self-taught and still learning as i go. thanks for your sweet comments!

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  14. Love your work! And the Hello Kitty cakes are beautiful!!! I'm definitely gona try the red velvet cheese cake!

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    1. @Anonymous - thank you! let me know how yours turns out! :)

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  15. Cream cheese buttercream! Sounds yummy! Never heard such a thing before. I would love the recipe. Would you share it? I have been trying to find something for my daughter's 1st birthday. This cake is gorgeous! Amazing job!

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. I am from israel and i want to do this cream. Do you know the weights of the butter and the creamcheese needed.
      thanks :)

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    3. you can now find my frosting recipe in my new book! http://amzn.to/1mEKwi2

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  16. Hi Michelle,

    I fall in love with all the beautiful cakes you made! You are such an accomplished baker and cake decorator! I adore your rose and hello kitty cakes!!

    By the way, I was just nominated for the Liebster Blog Award for the 2nd time by another fellow blogger yesterday. All this while, I have been searching for the 5th candidate for the blogs that I wanted to share this award with and now I think I have found it. I would like this award to your lovely blog. I have announced it here: http://www.mywanderingstory.com/2012/02/liebster-blog-awards.html

    Congratulations and all the best.

    Cheers,

    Christine

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    1. @Christine - thank you SO much the lovely comments, and for the nomination! you've just made my day! :)

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  17. can i have the cheesecake recipe you used??? this looks delish! red velvet is a family favorite! dlnaylor77@epix.net thank you...

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    1. @Anonymous - just sent you the recipe! let me know how it turns out! :)

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  18. Hello!! I new in this page, :S but i saw this cake and i loved it!! Can i have the recipe....please??? Its beautiful!!

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    1. @Beelynda - sure i can send you the recipe, just send me your email address, or you can click the 'contact me' link!

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  19. Such a beautiful cake! I am planning on making a red velvet cake for my husband's birthday this weekend and was going to use the cupcake recipe as well. How did you alter the cook time from cupcakes to a full cake?

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    1. @Sara Pierce - thank you! i ended up baking the cake for 30-35 minutes. i would start at 30 minutes and then keep checking every 2 miniutes using a toothpick to check for doneness! good luck!

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  20. it doesnt look like you used a spring pan or that you made the cheesecake with crust how did you get it out of the pan so perfectly

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    1. @shannon - i used this 6-inch cheesecake pan with removable bottom:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012Q5QQ4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheartbaking-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012Q5QQ4

      also i had lined the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. once the cheese cake was baked and cooled, it was a cinch to get out of the pan and, i just had to peel off the parchment before placing it on my bottom layer of red velvet cake!

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  21. Your piping is beautiful - a real work of art! I have attempted to make a rose cake before but yours looks much nicer, think I need more practice! I am loving your blog :-)

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    1. thanks @Nell ! :) so glad you are enjoying the blog!

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  22. Hi!!


    Love the cake! Can you please send me the recipe and also for the hello kitty cake?? My email is tara.tchen@gmail.com!

    Greatly appreciated :)

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    1. @Anonymous - sure! just sent you an email for the red velvet and cheesecake recipes! not sure which hello kitty cake you are referring to though, i've done so many! but you can send me another email with the specifics and i'll get it to you. thanks! :) enjoy!

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  23. Recipes? Pretty please!! ^_^ ava.sens1004@gmail.com

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    1. @Anonymous - no problem! i just sent you an email! enjoy!

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  24. Your so talented, wonderful cake it looks so yummy could you please send me your cheesecake recipe and your frosting recipe Please. Thank You so much!!
    johnskej@gmail.com

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    1. @Jessica - aw, thank you! sure, i just sent you an email with the recipes :) enjoy!

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  25. Such a gorgeous cake! I wondered if it could be made in advance (or elements of it anyway) up to 2-3 days ahead? I need to travel with it for my fathers birthday!

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    1. thanks @Rhonda! as for making it ahead, you can freeze the cake layers if tightly double wrapped with saran wrap and placed in a gallon freezer bag. the frosting is best used the day it's make, but if necessary can be refrigerated for a few days, and then re-whipped before using. but if left refrigerated for too long, it forms hard bits in it, which leads to non-smooth icing. good luck!

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  26. Please could you email me your cream cheese frosting recipe, it looks delicious! mynxiemynx@gmail.com

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    1. @Anonymous - no problem! just sent you an email!

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  27. You're an awesome baker.. This cake is such a temptation!! I would really love to give it a try.. Do you mind to share the whole recipe with me? Looking forward to more great masterpiece from you =) my email add : vnpk85@gmail.com

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    1. thanks @Vicky! just sent you an email with the recipes! :) enjoy!

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  28. The cake looks amazing! I'm sure it tastes amazing too. May I please have the recipe?
    cindy-quach@hotmail.com

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    1. thanks cindy! just sent you an email with the recipes! enjoy! :)

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  29. Your cake sure does looks delicious. Makes me want to try it out on my own. Can I please have the recipe? jessicafong91@gmail.com

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    1. @Jess - of course! just sent you an email :) enjoy!

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  30. please send michele the recipe for both the frosting and the cake.. Lovemylife83@hotmail.com

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    1. @SHERIKA0126 - sure, just emailed you the recipe! enjoy! :)

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  31. Can you tell me how to PIN this?

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  32. Wow, I'm in awe. Loved the rose piping on the cake. Superbe.

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  33. I really only need to visit your blog for inspiration for a dessert to ensure a memorable meal. Everything is beautiful. The photography makes me want to devour your baking. Promise me you'll consider ME should you ever need a taste tester!

    Thx again for the sugar cookie recipe. I have so many fun cookie cutters that I'm going to give it a go (the recipe) for my Christmas baking. I'll let you know how they turn out.

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    1. @BloominCrazy - aww, thanks for the lovely comments! can't wait to see how your cookies turn out!

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  34. May i have your recipe please? My email is Alwayslivelovelife@gmail.com

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    1. @Anonymous - sure, just sent you an email! enjoy!

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  35. Could I please have the cake recipe? It is just what I'm looking for to make for my daughter's wedding as centerpieces for the tables:) doug1mindy@att.net

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    1. @Anonymous - no problem, just sent you an email! :) good luck!

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  36. Gorgeous! Try making one with a giant cupcake pan to make it look like a bouquet...use different colors of "roses". That's what I'm doing. Oh the roses look better and more realistic with a 2d tip....try it! Everyone uses the 1m when the 2d looks better.

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    1. @pink_sparkles84 - thank you! and thanks for the suggestions, i will definitely try the 2D tip sometime!

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    2. I finally made it. Can I send you a pic somehow? I was first inspired to do a buttercream rose cake bc of you and I would love for you to see it. I'm no professional though LOL.

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    3. @pink_sparkles84 - yay! yes please send me a picture! just click the "email" link under the contact me section!

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  37. Congrats.
    You're a genius, an artist!
    Right here, I'll inspire me to make cakes for my daughter who is now 14 months! I hope you continue for many years with great ideas!

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    1. @Velud'arte - thanks so much for the lovely comments! :)

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  38. Hi Michele!

    Your blog is AMAZING! Thank you for taking the time to reply every individual comment! You're such a sweetheart!
    Would you mind sending me a copy of the recipe as well?

    Thank you! <3 genevieve-a9@hotmail.com

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    1. @Anonymous - thank you! just sent you an email, enjoy! :)

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  39. The cake layers look so moist. Would love the recipe for Vday! Would you mind sharing?

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    1. @Jeani - no problem! just send me an email and i'll get it to you right away!

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  40. Hi, this cake looks divine please can you send me the recipe as I would love to bake this for my daughters birthday in a week x many thanks coffeebeankat@yahoo.co.UK

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  41. This looks awsome! Could you please send me the recipes?
    maria.kronlof@gmail.com

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  42. Dear Michele, please please send me your red velvet and cheesecake recipe!!, I cant wait to try it
    hongmy.daole@gmail.com
    thank you so very much

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  43. Hi - I would love to try this as well. Would you be able to send me the cake, cheesecake and icing recipe to natashamerrick99@gmail.com? Thanks!

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  44. Good evening could you please email me the cake and frosting recipe to cherrelledominique@gmail.com

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    1. @Cherrelle Green - just sent you an email, enjoy!

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  45. Hi, I love this! It looks amazing! Can I have the cheesecake recipe and the red velvet cake recipe as well? My email is cakepops42@gmail.com thanks!

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    1. @Anonymous - hi cakepops42, just sent you an email!

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  46. Hi! can i have your red velvet recipe please?? many thanks and more power to you!
    myrla1949@gmail.com

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    1. @Anonymous - hi myrla1949, just sent you an email, enjoy!

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  47. please can you give me the step by step recipe for complete cake? thank you very much. kyloveone@hotmail.com

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    1. @Anita Bucci - sent you an email! let me know how it turns out!

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  48. I would love to have the complete step by step recipe. katiegodwin1125@att.net

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  49. This is absolutely beautiful! Please email me the compete recipe so I can experiment on this. ^_^ Thanks. rebecca.ngok@gmail.com

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  50. I'm so inspired, pls send me the full recipe as well, thks a million

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  51. sorry. forgot to attach my email add: debbieongsb@hotmail.com

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  52. Thank you so much for the wonder description of this cake. It is beautiful and can't wait to try it...

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  53. hi there, im wondering if you can send me the recipe to the cheesecake you made? Im gonna be making this for my sisters 25th birthday because she loves cheesecake and red velvet! :D thanks k._truong@hotmail.com

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    1. sorry, i was meant to say could you send me the recipe for the whole cake.

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    2. @kelly truong - just sent you the recipe, enjoy! :)

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  54. Couple you please send me these recipes! This looks delicious!! nguilliams@gmail.com - Thanks!

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  55. What is the recipe of the cream cheese buttercream? Thanks :)

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  56. All your cakes are so neatly finished and look amazing. I'm trying to perfect the rose piping so hopefully they'll look this lovely x x

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    1. thanks @Poppy Treacle ! :) i bet your rose piping will look amazing!

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  57. May I have the recipe for the cheesecake

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    1. sure, just leave me your email address and i'll send it to you!

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  58. Looks lovely.. Have a question.. Ho much of Cake flour to be used?

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  59. This is my first visit to ur blog n I have already become one of ur greatest fans...I feel so hungry each time I go through the pics....mouth watering, keep it up...good luck....:)

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  60. Can i also get the recipes for both cakes thanks bettinamcghee@aol.com e

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  61. Hi...may i have the recipes for this lovely cakes? Thanks
    shel_li@live.com.my

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    1. no problem, just emailed you the recipes! enjoy! :)

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  62. This is so cute. I am going to make them for my boyfriend on valentine's day.
    Seattle Carpet Restoration

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  63. Wow… looking so yummy… Red velvet cake is famous nowadays. You can try red velvet cake at home with simple recipe.

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  64. I'm not a fan of red velvet. But this is really cute and I love, love cheesecake. :-)

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  65. Thanks for the recipe. They came out awesome; very moist not greasy.

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  66. Wow. I'm here because of the amazing spiderman cake (not to mention the movie, hehe). But this cake is lovely too (every post in this blog are truly an art).
    May i have these recipe (redvelvet cheesecake and the frosting) please? My email is nuromasyhur@yahoo.com
    Thank you so much.

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    1. @Nuro - i just sent you the recipe(s)! enjoy! :)

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  67. I could just stare at this photos all day. They are mesmerizing and oh so gorgeous. What a lovely cake.

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  68. Omg this is absolutely beautiful and my daughter two favorite cakes combined! Can I please get the recipe like ASAP! My daughter's 14th B-Day is this Monday and I want to make this for her Sunday since I have to work on Monday! My email is bellamia_0212@yahoo.com. Thank you so much! I hope to see the recipe for both the cheesecake and red velvet cake please!

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    1. @Noni Rodriguez - just sent you an email! enjoy!

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  69. Really useful information thanks for sharing.
    Puratos helps bakers, patissiers and chocolatiers finding the best products
    and ingredients to improve the quality of baked products.
    red velvet cake premix

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