Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red, creamy white, and juicy strawberry layers create an eye-catching dessert.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake come together with a tangy strawberry topping for the perfect bite.
- Great for Special Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dessert in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan. - Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth. Pour into the prepared springform pan. - Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gently fold in diced strawberries. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet layer. - Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the cake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Make the Strawberry Topping:
In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, strawberry preserves, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat until the strawberries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Let cool completely. - Assemble and Serve:
Once the cheesecake is chilled, spoon the strawberry topping over the cake. Slice and enjoy the beautiful layers of red velvet, cheesecake, and strawberries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 10-12 slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer for a chocolatey twist.
- Berry Medley: Use a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries for the topping.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Individual Servings: Make this recipe in muffin tins for mini cheesecakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when done.
3. Can I make this without red food coloring?
Absolutely! The cake will have a more natural cocoa color.
4. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Use ½ cup of milk mixed with 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice.
5. Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Yes, try raspberries, blueberries, or even cherries.
6. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Bake at the correct temperature and avoid overmixing the batter.
7. Do I need a water bath for baking?
Not for this recipe, as the cheesecake layer is supported by the cake.
8. Can I double the recipe?
You can, but you’ll need a larger pan and extended baking time.
9. How long should I cool the cake before refrigerating?
Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour before chilling.
10. Can I use whipped cream as a topping?
Yes, whipped cream makes a lovely addition. Add just before serving.
Conclusion
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Its stunning layers and rich flavors are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you enjoy it as a festive centerpiece or a special treat, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite. Try it today and savor the magic!
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious dessert that blends the velvety richness of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake, topped with a fresh strawberry glaze. This show-stopping treat is perfect for celebrations, Valentine’s Day, or whenever you’re craving something decadent and beautiful.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in eggs one at a time. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients. Pour batter into the pan.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Fold in diced strawberries. Spread over the cake batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is just set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the Strawberry Topping:
- Combine strawberries, preserves, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Cook until thickened slightly. Cool completely.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spread the topping over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and serve!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use premium cream cheese and fresh strawberries.
- Adjust the food coloring for a lighter or deeper red hue.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy cheesecake texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
