Dreamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Baking this red velvet strawberry cheesecake will transport you to a world of pure indulgence.

Sweet memories flood back with each creamy bite.

Layers of crimson cake merge perfectly with tangy cream cheese.

Strawberries add a vibrant burst of freshness to every forkful.

Rich textures and delicate flavors dance across your palate.

Delightful hints of cocoa weave through the dessert’s soft landscape.

Grab a slice and let pure deliciousness melt your worries away.

Why Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Steals The Show

• Effortless Baking Adventure: This red velvet strawberry cheesecake recipe offers a delightful baking experience that's surprisingly simple, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers looking to create a showstopping dessert.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Potential: With a total preparation time of under an hour, this recipe is ideal for last-minute gatherings, special occasions, or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal kitchen stress.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: The combination of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake creates a stunning dessert that works beautifully for Valentine's Day, birthday celebrations, summer parties, or as a luxurious weekend treat that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.
• Colorful Culinary Creativity: The vibrant red color and strawberry elements make this dessert a visual masterpiece that's sure to generate excitement and spark conversation at any gathering, transforming an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What’s Inside Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component for the red velvet cake base, providing texture and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the signature red velvet chocolate undertone and rich color.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft, tender cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps activate the baking soda for better rising.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the classic vibrant red color of red velvet cake.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient for creating a rich, smooth cheesecake filling.
• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and bright flavor to the dessert.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9-inch springform pan and give it a loving coat of grease. Line the bottom with parchment paper for an easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Symphony

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cocoa powder

Whisk these ingredients together in a mixing bowl until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Magic

• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar
• Red food coloring

Whisk these ingredients until they create a vibrant, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Create the Cake Base

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a light hand and mix just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Foundation

Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for a slightly set surface that’s not fully baked – this layer will continue cooking with the cheesecake topping.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare

Remove the cake base from the oven and let it cool slightly. This sets the stage for the luxurious cheesecake layer that’s coming next.

Top Tips For Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Prevent Color Bleeding: Add red food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure even, vibrant red color without streaks or patches.
• Boost Moisture Magic: Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create a smoother, more consistent batter that enhances the cake's tender texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Caution: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently and minimally to maintain a light, soft red velvet cake base without developing tough gluten.
• Smart Springform Strategy: Line pan edges with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cheesecake removal without damaging delicate cake layers.
• Temperature Control Trick: Allow red velvet cake layer to cool slightly before adding cheesecake filling to prevent unwanted melting or texture disruption.

Storage Guide For Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Refrigerate the cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Avoid freezing the entire cake as the texture might change.
• Instead, slice individual portions and freeze for 2-3 months if needed.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.
• Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate strawberry and red velvet flavors.
• Always store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to preserve its creamy consistency and freshness.

Pairing Ideas For Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Pair with Creamy Mascarpone Beverage: Craft a luxurious mascarpone-infused coffee or hot chocolate that complements the rich red velvet base, enhancing the dessert's velvety texture and deep cocoa notes.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé Wine: Select a light, berry-forward rosé that echoes the strawberry elements and cuts through the cheesecake's creamy richness, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Serve with Fresh Berry Sorbet: Prepare a tangy strawberry or raspberry sorbet as a palate-cleansing side that brightens the dessert's flavor profile and adds a refreshing contrast to the dense cheesecake.
• Accompany with Vanilla Bean Cream: Drizzle a delicate vanilla bean-infused cream sauce around the plate, providing a smooth, aromatic companion that elevates the red velvet's subtle sweetness and enhances the overall dessert experience.

Fun Variations Of Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Classic Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, multi-berry cheesecake that bursts with fresh summer flavors.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the red velvet base and add a rich chocolate ganache topping for an indulgent, decadent dessert experience.
• Tropical Paradise: Replace strawberries with diced mangoes and add a coconut cream layer between the red velvet cake and cheesecake for a tropical-inspired treat that transports you to a sunny beach.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce to add a crunchy, sweet dimension to the classic recipe.

Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake FAQ Roundup

FAQs for Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Why is buttermilk important in red velvet cake?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and reacts with the cocoa powder and vinegar to give the cake its signature tangy flavor and soft crumb.

• Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?

Natural cocoa powder works well and will still provide a nice chocolate undertone. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and of good quality for the best flavor.

• What gives red velvet cake its distinctive red color?

The bright red color traditionally comes from red food coloring. In the past, the reddish hue was created by a chemical reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar.

• How do I prevent my red velvet cake base from becoming dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Remove the cake from the oven when it’s just set but still slightly soft, as it will continue cooking with the cheesecake layer.

Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red velvet strawberry cheesecake brings luxurious layers of velvety crimson cake and creamy strawberry-infused filling to dessert lovers’ dreams. Rich chocolate undertones and fresh berry notes create an irresistible indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Fruit and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• ⅓ cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the springform pan by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper, then position the oven rack in the center and warm to 350F (175C).
2. Create the red velvet cake base by thoroughly combining the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder – in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate vessel, whisk together the wet components: oil, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and vibrant red food coloring until smooth and uniform.
4. Delicately incorporate the dry mixture into the liquid ingredients, folding gently to maintain a light texture and prevent overmixing.
5. Transfer the crimson batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly to ensure consistent depth.
6. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, watching for a slightly set surface that remains slightly underbaked, as it will continue cooking during the cheesecake phase.
7. Once removed from the oven, allow the red velvet layer to cool and settle, creating a sturdy foundation for the upcoming cheesecake layer.

Notes

• Achieve a vibrant red color by using gel food coloring instead of liquid, which provides more intense pigmentation without thinning the batter.
• Prevent cracking in the cheesecake by placing a water bath around the springform pan during baking, ensuring even and gentle heat distribution.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a hint of orange zest to the batter, which complements the strawberry and chocolate notes beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 374
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg