If your dessert cravings are calling out for something decadently sweet, deeply rich, and stunningly beautiful, look no further than this Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe. Imagine the velvety smoothness of classic red velvet cake resting atop a creamy cheesecake layer, crowned with a luscious strawberry topping and the perfect cream cheese frosting—this dessert is an absolute showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just want to indulge yourself with an unforgettable treat, this Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe offers a heavenly blend of flavors and textures that melt in your mouth and captivate the heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe is simple and incredibly rewarding. The ingredient list features everyday essentials, each adding its own magic—whether it’s the tangy cream cheese firmness, the vibrant red hue of the cake, or the fresh sweetness of strawberries that finishes everything perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the red velvet cake layers, giving you that tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the cheesecake layer for balanced flavor.
- Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate note essential for classic red velvet taste.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, keeping your dessert from tasting flat.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and create a rich texture in both cake and cheesecake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the red velvet layers moist and tender.
- Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a warm aromatic note to both cake and cheesecake layers.
- White vinegar: Helps intensify the red color and tenderizes the cake.
- Red food coloring: Gives the cake its signature vibrant red color.
- Cream cheese: Key for the creamy cheesecake and smooth frosting; softened for easy mixing.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and slightly tangy flavor to the cheesecake layer.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the topping, providing natural sweetness and freshness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the strawberry topping perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: For luscious cream cheese frosting, giving it a silky texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
How to Make Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper to ensure easy cake release. Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth, then add vanilla, eggs, and sour cream, mixing thoroughly. Pour this luscious batter into the pan and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until the center is just set. This layer is the creamy heart of your Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe, so cooling it completely and refrigerating it for at least four hours—or overnight—is key to getting the texture just right.
Step 2: Bake the Red Velvet Cake Layers
Raise your oven temperature to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour. Sift dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt—to create a uniform base. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, vinegar, and the red food coloring until smooth and vibrant. Combine the wet and dry mixtures gently until the batter has a consistent, velvety texture. Divide evenly between the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. These layers bring the signature color and subtle cocoa undertone that makes the Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe such a beloved indulgence.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Topping
While cakes cool, combine sliced fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and become soft but not mushy. Let this sweet and tangy topping cool completely—this step is essential to achieving that fresh burst of strawberry flavor that beautifully complements the rich cheesecake and red velvet layers.
Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until perfectly smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy with a light texture. This frosting ties the entire Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe together, lending it a dreamy finish that’s neither too sweet nor heavy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place your first red velvet cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin coat of cream cheese frosting atop it. Gently add the cooled cheesecake layer, spreading frosting over it as well. Top with the second red velvet cake layer, then envelop the entire cake in the remaining cream cheese frosting. Finally, spoon the strawberry topping generously over the cake, allowing the juices to cascade down the sides for a dramatic and delicious effect. This final step is where your Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe truly comes to life, delivering a visual and taste sensation that amazes every time!
How to Serve Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe, fresh strawberry slices on top add both beauty and a refreshing burst of flavor. A light dusting of cocoa powder or delicate white chocolate shavings create a sophisticated contrast, while a sprig of fresh mint brings a pop of green and aroma that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this cheesecake alongside a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mild black tea to balance its richness. For an added special touch, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the cake’s creamy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try creating mini individual cheesecakes using ramekins for a charming twist on the traditional presentation. Alternatively, slice the cake and arrange pieces artistically on a platter, garnishing each slice with extra strawberry topping and fresh mint leaves to impress your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe can be stored covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the creamy texture and fresh flavors, so wrap it well to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its luscious texture.
Reheating
Since this cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is unnecessary. However, if you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving—this will enhance the creaminess without compromising flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking them down for the topping. This helps maintain a nice consistency without making it too watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that measures one-to-one for regular flour. Keep an eye on baking time, as gluten-free flours can vary, but the Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe will still be stunningly delicious.
Can I prepare the cake layers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake both the red velvet cake layers a day or two in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before assembling to prevent condensation.
What is the best way to make this dessert less sweet?
Consider reducing the sugar slightly in both the cake and frosting, or use a lower-sugar frosting option. The natural tartness from the strawberries also helps balance the sweetness beautifully.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Baking it at a low temperature and allowing it to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar can help prevent cracks. Also, avoid overmixing the batter and don’t open the oven door too frequently during baking to keep the surface smooth.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe enough—it’s truly one of those desserts that brings joy with every bite and wow factor on every plate. Whether for a holiday, a birthday, or just because you deserve a slice of happiness, dive in and treat yourself. You’re going to love how the flavors and textures come together in such a delightful and unforgettable way!
Print
Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake is a decadent layered dessert combining moist red velvet cake, a creamy cheesecake center, and a vibrant strawberry topping. Finished with rich cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations or special occasions, delivering a stunning presentation and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
- Prepare the Pan for Cheesecake: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the center is just set. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set firmly.
- Prepare Red Velvet Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt for even distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well integrated.
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- Make Strawberry Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top of the frosted red velvet cake layer. Spread another thin layer of frosting over the cheesecake to help hold layers together.
- Top with Second Cake Layer: Place the second red velvet cake layer on top of the cheesecake. Frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Add Strawberry Topping: Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip enticingly down the sides.
- Serve: Slice and serve this luscious Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake. Perfect for impressing guests and enjoying a rich, flavorful treat.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the topping; frozen strawberries may result in excess water.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake layer until firm before assembling to prevent layers from sliding.
- Allow the assembled cake to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted to preferred intensity.
