Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Oh my gosh, have you tried Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake? It’s like a party in your mouth with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries. I just had to tell you about this yummy treat.

I wasn’t sure if I could make it at home, but it was easier than I thought! The red velvet and strawberries make it look so pretty and taste amazing.

If you love cheesecake and a little chocolate flavor, you will totally love this. Let me show you how fun and simple it is to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Combination: The rich and moist red velvet cake perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake layer, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Fresh and Fruity: The fresh strawberry topping and strawberry preserves add a natural sweetness and color that elevates the dessert to another level.
• Impressive Presentation: It’s visually stunning and would look gorgeous on any dessert table, making it a perfect choice for special events.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration, this dessert is guaranteed to steal the show.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the cheesecake layer and cake base ahead of time, allowing you to assemble the dessert the day of your event.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: To beat the cake batter and cheesecake layer until smooth.
• 9-inch Springform Pan: For baking the cheesecake and assembling the cake.
• Baking Pans: One for the red velvet cake and one for the cheesecake layer.
• Spatula: For spreading the cake batter and cheesecake layer evenly.
• Piping Bag (Optional): To pipe whipped cream for a professional-looking garnish.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake before assembling the layers.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake (the exact measurements are included in the recipe card below):

For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the flavors.
• Cocoa Powder: A bit of cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor, making the cake rich and indulgent.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang that complements the red velvet flavor.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cake its signature vibrant red color.
• White Vinegar: Activates the baking soda, helping the cake rise and giving it a tender crumb.

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• Cream Cheese (Softened): The star of the cheesecake filling. It should be softened to room temperature for smoothness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without making it overly sugary.
• Eggs: Adds structure to the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake.

For the Topping:

• Fresh Strawberries (Sliced): Adds a fresh and fruity flavor to complement the richness of the cake and cheesecake.
• Strawberry Preserves: Creates a glossy finish on top and infuses the dessert with a sweet, fruity flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Optional, for garnish to add a light, fluffy contrast to the richness of the dessert.

Variations for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add a Layer of Chocolate Ganache: For an extra layer of decadence, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top before adding the strawberries.
• Use Other Berries: While strawberries are the star here, raspberries or blueberries could also be used for a different twist on the topping.
• Swap in Different Cake Flavors: Try using a traditional vanilla cake or a chocolate cake layer instead of the red velvet if you prefer.
• Make It Mini: You can bake individual mini versions of this cheesecake in muffin tins for a fun, bite-sized dessert.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Red Velvet Cake Base

• Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar until smooth.
• Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
• Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer

• Prepare the Springform Pan: Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
• Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
• Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

3. Assemble the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Layer the Red Velvet Cake: Slice the cooled red velvet cake in half horizontally so you have two even layers.
• Place the First Layer: Place the bottom layer of the red velvet cake into the base of the springform pan, ensuring it fits snugly around the cheesecake layer.
• Add the Cheesecake Layer: Gently lift the cheesecake out of its pan and place it on top of the red velvet cake layer.
• Top with the Second Cake Layer: Place the second layer of red velvet cake on top of the cheesecake layer.
• Chill Again: Place the entire dessert in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together and firm up.

4. Add the Topping

• Prepare the Strawberry Topping: Arrange the fresh strawberry slices on top of the cake.
• Glaze with Strawberry Preserves: Heat the strawberry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Brush the preserves over the strawberries to give them a shiny, glossy finish.
• Garnish with Whipped Cream: Pipe whipped cream around the edges of the cake for an elegant finish.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

This dessert is perfect for any special occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Slice and Serve: Cut the cheesecake into neat slices and serve on dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Table: This cheesecake would be the star of any dessert table, alongside other treats like cookies, tarts, or fruit.

Storing Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can also freeze this cheesecake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	350
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	34g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	28g

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent and show-stopping dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: a moist and rich red velvet cake with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. Topped with fresh strawberries and a glossy strawberry glaze, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. The layers come together beautifully, creating a striking dessert that tastes as amazing as it looks.

With this recipe, you can impress your guests with your baking skills, all while enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend indulgence, this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite!