Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Looking for the ultimate dessert to elevate your special occasions? This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a showstopper! With its velvety red cake layers, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious strawberry topping, it’s a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning Presentation: Eye-catching layers that wow.
• Rich Flavor: A perfect blend of chocolate, cream cheese, and strawberries.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Red Velvet Cake Layers

• 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Topping

• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one red velvet layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of strawberry topping, then carefully place the cheesecake layer on top. Add another layer of strawberry topping and finish with the second red velvet cake layer. Top the cake with the remaining strawberry mixture, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	34g
Sodium	220mg

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Cheesecake Stability: Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before assembling to prevent it from breaking.
• Decorating Tip: Garnish with fresh strawberries and white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers for extra indulgence.
• Berry Swap: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or mixed berries for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the red velvet cake.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake and cheesecake layers a day in advance. Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest results.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake?

Absolutely. Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

How do I ensure my cheesecake doesn’t crack?

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a dessert masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries. This recipe is perfect for any celebration or as a decadent treat to spoil yourself. Follow the steps above to create a stunning dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!