Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake mixes the soft, rich texture of red velvet cake with the smooth, creamy flavor of strawberry cheesecake. This dessert looks amazing and tastes even better, offering the best of both worlds. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or any special event, this treat will impress everyone.

What makes this dessert so appealing is its bold red color, the rich cocoa taste, and the beautiful layers of strawberry cheesecake. If you want a show-stopping but easy dessert, this recipe is for you. Learn how to make the perfect red velvet cake base and strawberry cheesecake filling, and impress your guests with this eye-catching delight.

To make your cheesecake even better, consider expert tips. For great advice on perfecting the cheesecake layer, visit Southern Living, and get inspired by Food Network‘s top red velvet cake recipes to nail the cake part.

The History of Red Velvet Cake

The Red Velvet Cake has an interesting history that likely started in the early 1900s in the United States. Its famous red color became popular in the 1920s, mainly because of food coloring. Early recipes combined cocoa powder, vinegar, and buttermilk, giving the cake a unique taste, though it wasn’t as bright red as we see today. The cake gained even more fame when it appeared in the 1989 movie Steel Magnolias, which helped it become a staple in Southern cooking. Now, red velvet is a favorite for special events. When paired with strawberry cheesecake, it creates a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Why Choose Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake?

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is perfect for any special occasion, as it not only tastes amazing but also looks breathtaking. The rich, slightly tangy flavor of the strawberry cheesecake perfectly complements the soft, moist red velvet cake. If you love both, this dessert allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

• Versatile for occasions: It’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, or even as a showstopper at a family dinner.
• Great balance of flavors: The richness of the cheesecake balances out the sweet cocoa flavor of the red velvet base.
• Elegant appearance: It’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress with its layers and colors.

If you’re wondering how to create your own red velvet masterpiece, it’s important to follow expert instructions to ensure a perfect result. Martha Stewart’s tips for cake cooling can be found here, ensuring the layers come together perfectly!

Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Red Velvet Cake Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Red Velvet Cake Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense texture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before moving to the next step.

Preparing the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Stir in the pureed fresh strawberries until evenly incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the strawberry mixture.

Assembling the Cheesecake

1. Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
2. Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the top of the red velvet cake.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set properly.

Decorating and Serving

• Before serving, top with fresh strawberry halves and whipped cream if desired.
• For a touch of elegance, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries.
• Make sure the dessert is well-chilled before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Serving and Storing

• Serving Temperature: For the best flavor, serve the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake chilled. The cheesecake layer will be firmer and the flavors more pronounced when cold. Let the cake sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less cold, but avoid leaving it out too long, as it may soften too much.
• Slicing Tips: When slicing the cheesecake, ensure your knife is sharp and dipped in warm water between slices. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking to the knife and ensures clean, neat slices. It’s also a good idea to refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2-4 hours before slicing to allow the cheesecake filling to fully set.
• Storage: Store leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, although it’s best when consumed within 2 days for the freshest taste. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight.
• Serving Suggestions: While the cheesecake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it further by topping it with whipped cream, extra fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For a touch of elegance, try adding some edible gold flakes or mint leaves as a garnish.

Recipe Variations

• There are plenty of ways to customize the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
  • Gluten-Free Version: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream cheese and plant-based butter in the cheesecake filling. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of buttermilk to keep the flavor intact.
  • Sugar-Free Version: To make the dessert diabetic-friendly or lower in sugar, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Be sure to adjust the quantities according to the sweetness of your chosen substitute.
  • Fruit Variations: While strawberries are the classic fruit choice for this cheesecake, you can experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even mango for a tropical twist. You could also make a mixed berry topping to complement the cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Twist: For an added indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cheesecake or even add a layer of chocolate ganache between the red velvet cake and the cheesecake filling. This chocolate twist would enhance the rich flavor and make the dessert even more decadent.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before your event and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after resting in the fridge, making it the perfect dessert to prepare in advance.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water. This will prevent the cheesecake filling from becoming too watery. Fresh strawberries, however, will provide a brighter flavor and more vibrant color.

3. How do I store leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion 

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

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• Author: Madilyn
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 10-12

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Description

A showstopper dessert that perfectly blends the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with the creamy, fruity goodness of strawberry cheesecake. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is not only visually stunning but also a treat for your taste buds!

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Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 8-10 strawberries)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Topping:

• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
2️⃣ Make the Red Velvet Cake:
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
• In another bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
3️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Stir in the pureed strawberries until evenly incorporated.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cheesecake mixture until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake:
• Once the red velvet cake has cooled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
• Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly over the top of the red velvet cake.
5️⃣ Chill the Cheesecake:
• Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6️⃣ Serve:
• Before serving, top with fresh strawberry halves and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes