Few desserts can compete with the luxurious combination of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake. Add the vibrant, juicy sweetness of strawberries, and you have a show-stopping dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake isnât just a dessertâitâs an experience.
PrintRed Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
đâ¤ď¸đ°Indulge in the ultimate treat: Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake! đ Rich layers of velvety red cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberry topping come together in this show-stopping dessert. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a slice of pure decadence. đ One bite, and youâll be in dessert heaven!
#RedVelvetCheesecake #StrawberryLovers #DessertPerfection #CheesecakeDelight #RedVelvetMagic #DecadentDesserts #SweetIndulgence #BakingBliss #FoodieFavorites #BerryGoodness â¤ď¸đđ°
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries (as needed)
- ½ cup strawberry preserves (warm slightly for drizzling)
Optional:
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan and a separate 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed for a uniform batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
5. Divide and Bake:
- Pour half the batter into the springform pan and the other half into the 9-inch round pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
2. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter onto the cooled red velvet cake layer in the springform pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate
1. Add the Topping:
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern.
- Drizzle warmed strawberry preserves over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
2. Add Whipped Cream (Optional):
- Pipe whipped cream around the edges for an elegant look.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs, cream cheese, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Use a Springform Pan:
- A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging the layers.
- Avoid Overmixing:
- Overmixing can lead to a dense cake and cracks in the cheesecake layer.
- Chill Properly:
- Allow ample time for the cheesecake to chill. Overnight refrigeration yields the best results.
- Sharp Knife for Slicing:
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the cake cleanly. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Whether youâre planning a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. In this comprehensive guide, weâll cover everything you need to know to create this masterpiece, from choosing the best ingredients to expert baking tips and serving ideas.
Why This Recipe is Special
The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a fusion of two timeless classics:
- Red Velvet Cake â Known for its moist, tender crumb and subtle cocoa flavor, red velvet cake brings a vibrant red hue and a touch of sophistication.
- Cheesecake â Creamy, rich, and decadent, cheesecake perfectly complements the cake layers with its smooth texture and slightly tangy taste.
- Strawberries â Fresh strawberries and a glossy strawberry preserve topping add a burst of natural sweetness and create a stunning presentation.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Red Velvet Cake
The foundation of this dessert is a classic red velvet cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the signature texture and flavor:
- All-Purpose Flour:Â Provides structure to the cake. Make sure to measure it accurately to avoid a dense cake.
- Sugar:Â Sweetens the cake and adds moisture.
- Baking Soda:Â Helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt:Â Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder:Â Adds a subtle chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best results.
- Vegetable Oil:Â Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Buttermilk:Â The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a soft crumb. It also adds a slight tanginess to the cake.
- Eggs:Â Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
- Red Food Coloring:Â Gives the cake its iconic red hue. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant color without altering the batterâs consistency.
- Vanilla Extract:Â Adds depth of flavor.
- White Vinegar:Â Enhances the red color and works with baking soda to help the cake rise.
For the Cheesecake Layer
The cheesecake layer is creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the red velvet cake:
- Cream Cheese:Â The star ingredient of the cheesecake. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Sugar:Â Sweetens the cheesecake while balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Eggs:Â Provide structure to the cheesecake, ensuring it sets properly.
- Vanilla Extract:Â Adds a subtle, sweet aroma to the cheesecake layer.
For the Topping
The topping takes this dessert to the next level:
- Fresh Strawberries:Â Provide natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Strawberry Preserves:Â Adds shine and enhances the strawberry flavor. Warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle.
- Optional Whipped Cream:Â Adds an elegant finishing touch and pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan and a separate 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed for a uniform batter.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
5. Divide and Bake:
- Pour half the batter into the springform pan and the other half into the 9-inch round pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
2. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake batter onto the cooled red velvet cake layer in the springform pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate
1. Add the Topping:
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cheesecake in a decorative pattern.
- Drizzle warmed strawberry preserves over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
2. Add Whipped Cream (Optional):
- Pipe whipped cream around the edges for an elegant look.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs, cream cheese, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Use a Springform Pan:
- A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging the layers.
- Avoid Overmixing:
- Overmixing can lead to a dense cake and cracks in the cheesecake layer.
- Chill Properly:
- Allow ample time for the cheesecake to chill. Overnight refrigeration yields the best results.
- Sharp Knife for Slicing:
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the cake cleanly. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.
Flavor Variations
- Berry Medley:Â Replace strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle:Â Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the strawberries for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch:Â Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cheesecake chilled for the best flavor and texture.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or champagne for a luxurious treat.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry for an elegant presentation.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why Youâll Love Making This Cheesecake
- Impressive Yet Achievable:Â While it looks fancy, the recipe is straightforward with simple steps.
- Customizable:Â Easily adapt the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser:Â This dessert is always a hit at parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
Conclusion
The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just a dessertâitâs a celebration of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. The rich, velvety layers of cake and cheesecake, paired with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, create a dessert thatâs both indulgent and refreshing.
Whether youâre a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to make you feel like a pastry chef. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable treat!