Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds with Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake—a showstopping dessert that pairs two beloved classics into one unforgettable treat. Imagine a tender, cocoa-tinted red velvet cake serving as the rich base, topped with a luscious, dreamy strawberry cheesecake filling, and crowned with heaps of fresh strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor. This is the kind of cake that steals the spotlight at every celebration, and trust me, the first bite is all it takes to fall head over heels. Whether you’re serving it up for a birthday, a festive gathering, or just to treat yourself, Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of kitchen staples, a few fresh berries, and a dash of color come together to make this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake simply irresistible. Each ingredient plays a unique role in delivering that delightful combo of vibrant color, fluffy cake, creamy filling, and irresistible strawberry goodness.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the classic red velvet cake base, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the cocoa and creamy filling.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely rise and airy texture.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the vinegar and buttermilk for extra lift and softness.
• Salt: A pinch brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Cocoa powder: Gives a delicate chocolate flavor and that signature red velvet taste.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a rich, tender cake every time.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): The secret to a super soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Eggs (room temperature): Help bind the batter and add richness.
• Red food coloring: Brings that iconic, showstopping hue to your red velvet layer.
• Vanilla extract: Adds classic warmth to both the cake and cheesecake filling.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda and cocoa for flavor, color, and a subtle tang.
• Cream cheese (softened): The hero of the cheesecake layer—ultra creamy and dreamy.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling smoothly, no graininess here!
• Fresh strawberries (pureed): Infuses the cheesecake with real fruity flavor and a natural pink blush.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded in for a light, fluffy cheesecake mousse.
• Fresh strawberries (halved): For a juicy, eye-catching garnish atop your finished cake.
• Whipped cream (optional): Adds another layer of indulgence—never the wrong choice!

How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9-inch springform pan a good greasing and a parchment lining. This will ensure your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake base bakes up perfectly without any sticking, and makes removing and serving extra smooth later on.

Step 2: Mix up the Red Velvet Cake Batter

Grab two large bowls for this part. In one, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder—this guarantees an even distribution for a flawless cake. In the other, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until blended and vivid. Combine your wet and dry mixtures just until you have a smooth batter (don’t overmix!). Pour it into your prepared pan and even out the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Red Velvet Layer

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this helps it stay moist and sturdy enough to support that luscious cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

In another big bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until super smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until you have a creamy base. Fold in the pureed strawberries for that beautiful, fragrant color and fresh taste. Now, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture. You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s fluffy and light as a cloud.

Step 5: Assemble the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Once your cake is fully cool, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on your prettiest serving plate. Gently spread the strawberry cheesecake filling in a thick, even layer over the red velvet base. Slide the whole beauty into the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours—this sets the filling and allows the flavors to meld like magic.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Right before presenting, pile on the fresh halved strawberries and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, pipe or dollop on some whipped cream. All that’s left now is to slice and dig in!

How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Garnishes

A finishing flourish of fresh strawberry halves instantly elevates the look and flavor of your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. For a festive touch, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar, or add delicate swirls of whipped cream around the edges to make every slice pop.

Side Dishes

This dreamy dessert is excellent on its own, but you can pair it with sides that won’t overwhelm its flavors. Try serving with a crisp cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For something indulgent, offer some extra strawberry sauce or a drizzle of melted chocolate on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your presentation style shine! Prepare individual mini cheesecakes for personal treats, or layer slices in dessert jars for a whimsical twist. Use edible flowers or decorative chocolate curls for special occasions—Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake always inspires a little creativity in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with some leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake (hard to believe, right?), simply cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store individual slices in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious and moist in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Want to savor your cheesecake another time? Wrap slices snugly in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture—the strawberry cheesecake filling retains its creamy character even after freezing!

Reheating

Since this dessert is best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need for reheating. If frozen, let your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake thaw in the fridge before serving to ensure creamy, dreamy layers just as you remember them.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the strawberries well before pureeing them. This will help prevent excess moisture in your filling, guaranteeing creamy and flavorful results.

Do I really need to use red food coloring for the cake?

You can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look. The classic vibrant red is a signature of Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, but the taste won’t suffer without it.

What’s the best way to slice the cheesecake for neat pieces?

Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This trick ensures each wedge of Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is as beautiful as it is delicious, with clean edges every time.

Can I make the cake base ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the red velvet cake a day ahead, let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature until you’re ready to layer on the strawberry cheesecake filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and enjoy a gluten-free Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that’s just as tasty and eye-catching.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious, you truly can’t go wrong with Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. Every layer is a celebration of flavor and color that’s sure to make any moment memorable. Gather your ingredients and dive right in—you and your lucky guests are in for an unforgettable treat!

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