Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two beloved desserts—red velvet cake and strawberry cheesecake—into one decadent dish. The soft and moist red velvet layer creates a rich, flavorful base, while the creamy cheesecake layer brings a smooth, tangy contrast. Topping it all off with macerated fresh strawberries adds a refreshing, sweet-tart finish. This dessert is ideal for celebrations, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for red velvet cake layer)

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoon red food coloring

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (for cheesecake layer)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 large eggs (for cheesecake layer)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (for cheesecake layer)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

7. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.

8. Carefully spoon the cheesecake batter over the cooled red velvet cake layer in the springform pan.

9. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.

10. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

11. In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

12. Once the cheesecake has fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and top with the macerated strawberries before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 40 minutes

• Cook Time: 70 minutes

• Chill Time: At least 4 hours

• Total Time: 110 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture for extra richness and flavor.

• Fruit topping alternatives: Try other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different twist.

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: While cheesecake is best served chilled, you can let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

FAQs

How can I make sure my cheesecake does not crack?

Cracking is usually caused by baking at too high of a temperature or overbaking. Bake the cheesecake at a lower temperature (325°F), and make sure to let it cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, making it ideal for preparing the day before an event.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cheesecake layer?

Fresh strawberries are preferred, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cheesecake layer.

How can I prevent the red velvet cake from being too dry?

Be sure to follow the recipe closely, especially with the oil and buttermilk ratio. The cake should be moist and tender if the instructions are followed correctly.

What is the best way to serve this cheesecake?

Slice the cheesecake with a hot, wet knife for clean cuts. Top with fresh macerated strawberries just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different size pan?

You can use a different size pan, but be aware that it may alter the cooking times. For a larger pan, reduce the baking time for the red velvet cake layer. If using a smaller pan, increase the cooking time for the cheesecake layer.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as the red food coloring and vanilla extract.

How can I prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease and line your springform pan properly with parchment paper. After the cheesecake has chilled, run a knife along the edge to help release it from the pan.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the cake layer?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing ½ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any special occasion. Its rich, velvety cake layer and creamy, strawberry-infused cheesecake are a match made in heaven. Whether you're serving it for a celebration or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to be a showstopper. Enjoy!