Imagine sinking your fork into a luscious, velvety cake that’s bursting with the rich flavor of red velvet and the fresh sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped up in a creamy cheesecake layer. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is a dreamy dessert that perfectly combines classic Southern charm with a fresh fruity twist. It’s an irresistible treat that’s both visually stunning and decadently delicious, guaranteed to become your new favorite indulgence for any special occasion or just because you deserve something spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe comes together beautifully with simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dessert so unforgettable.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender base for the red velvet cake.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and cheesecake layers without overpowering.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise light and fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Aids in leavening and enhances the cake’s softness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out depth in flavor.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate note that’s signature to red velvet.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tanginess and reacts with leaveners for tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and build structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warm, aromatic sweetness.
- 1 tsp white vinegar: Enhances the red hue and tenderizes the cake.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring: Creates that iconic vibrant red velvet color.
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer with rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweeps sweet magic into the cheesecake filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the cheesecake’s smooth flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed): Infuses bright natural fruitiness into the cheesecake.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection and folded in for lightness.
- Fresh strawberries (halved): For garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Whipped cream (optional): Adds a delicate finishing touch to each slice.
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and line a springform pan with parchment paper – this extra step ensures your gorgeous red velvet cake will release effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This combination of dry ingredients builds the foundation for that unmistakable red velvet texture and mild cocoa flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until everything is smooth and vibrant. The vinegar helps the cake’s color pop while the red food coloring delivers that classic deep red hue.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want a tender crumb, not a dense cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Base
Pour the batter into your prepped springform pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the cheesecake layer.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until silky smooth. Then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly combined and creamy.
Step 7: Add the Strawberry Puree
Stir in the pureed fresh strawberries to imbue the cheesecake layer with an irresistible fruity tang that complements the red velvet base beautifully.
Step 8: Fold in Whipped Cream
Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture. This step is key to giving your cheesecake filling a light, airy texture.
Step 9: Assemble and Chill
Spread the luscious strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over your cooled red velvet cake base. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture set into something truly dreamy.
Step 10: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh halved strawberries and an optional swirl of whipped cream for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh halved strawberries are the perfect complement, adding a juicy burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color. A dollop of whipped cream on each slice can elevate the presentation and offer a light creaminess that balances the cake’s richness.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a light fruit sorbet can provide a refreshing contrast that makes every bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe in clear glass trifle bowls layered with extra strawberry puree and cake crumbles for an eye-catching individual portion. You can also top it with chopped nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dessert keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining both its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this cheesecake ahead of time or save leftovers, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It should retain its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften just a touch before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess water that could affect the cheesecake texture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe?
Yes! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
By swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, this recipe can be adapted to gluten-free diets. Just check that your blend includes xanthan gum to keep the cake structure intact.
What’s the best way to get that vibrant red color?
The red food coloring in this recipe is essential for the classic velvet color. Using gel food coloring tends to be more concentrated and gives a richer color without thinning the batter.
Can I use a different fruit puree instead of strawberries?
Yes! Raspberry or cherry purée would work wonderfully as alternative berries, adding their own delightful flavor and color twist to your cheesecake layer.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is the kind of dessert that not only tastes incredible but also brings pure joy through its vibrant colors and luscious textures. It’s a sweet, celebratory treat that feels special whether for a holiday, party, or a cozy night in. Go ahead, dive into making this stunning dessert and watch how it instantly becomes a cherished favorite among your family and friends.
Print
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus at least 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a luscious Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet cake with a creamy strawberry-infused cheesecake layer. This elegant dessert features a moist cocoa-flavored cake base topped with a smooth and fruity cheesecake filling, finished with fresh strawberries and optional whipped cream for a delightful treat perfect for special occasions or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Decoration
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the vegetable oil, room temperature buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake: Pour the finished batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan. This helps maintain the shape and prepares it for the cheesecake layer.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate Strawberries: Stir in the pureed fresh strawberries to infuse the filling with natural fruity flavor and color.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Once the red velvet cake has completely cooled, evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling on top of the cake base in the springform pan.
- Chill: Refrigerate the layered cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set firmly for clean slicing.
- Decorate: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh halved strawberries and dollops of whipped cream if desired to add freshness and extra creaminess.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent melting or mixing.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to create a smooth batter and filling.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted according to your preferred shade of red velvet.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the pureed filling and decoration for maximum sweetness and color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
