Description

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a divine dessert that beautifully marries the lush flavors of chocolatey red velvet with the refreshing taste of strawberries. This delectable treat combines the rich, velvety texture of traditional red velvet cake with a creamy, luscious strawberry cheesecake filling that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Originating from the deep South, the red velvet cake has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its striking red color and its sophisticated flavor profile, enhanced by the subtle hint of cocoa. When paired with fresh strawberries, this dessert transforms into an extraordinary experience that feels both indulgent and refreshing—a perfect choice for celebrations, family gatherings, or just a special treat to brighten your day.

Creating this scrumptious cheesecake doesn’t require advanced baking skills, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. The process may take a little time—especially with the chilling—but the results are worth every minute. With its rich colors and vibrant flavors, this dessert is not just about eating; it’s about creating an experience that you, your family, and friends will cherish.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, which is sure to earn you rave reviews and requests for seconds!

Ingredients

• For the Red Velvet Cake:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 8-10 strawberries)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• For Topping:
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Whipped cream (optional)
• *Substitutions and Variations*:
• Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! For a healthier option, consider substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling. If you do not have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes. And, if strawberries aren’t your favorite, you can experiment with other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a delicious twist.

Preparation Method

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your Red Velvet Cake bakes evenly. While the oven is warming up, take a 9-inch springform pan and grease it well with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent any sticking; this will ensure your cake comes out beautifully, with its lovely red hue intact.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Sifting not only helps to combine the ingredients but also aerates the flour, resulting in a fluffier cake. Mix them until well combined, making sure there are no lumps of dry ingredients left.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Combine the vegetable oil, room-temperature buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. The vibrant red food coloring is what gives the cake its iconic color. When mixing, you’ll want to whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Now comes the exciting part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This will help keep the cake light and airy.

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface and make sure it’s evenly distributed. The mesmerizing deep red color of the batter is already a feast for the eyes! Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

While the cake is baking, let’s prepare the strawberry cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and cream it until it’s smooth and free of any lumps. This is crucial for achieving that creamy texture we all love. Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until it’s well combined. The sweetness of the powdered sugar balances the tang of the cream cheese beautifully.

Next, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries to the mixture. Pureeing your fresh strawberries beforehand ensures that their vibrant, fruity flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake filling. You can achieve this by placing your strawberries in a blender or food processor and pureeing them until smooth. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully incorporated.

Now, it’s time to add some lightness to our filling. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You want your whipped cream to be firm enough to hold its shape when folded into the cheesecake filling. A little tip: for best results, chill your bowl and beaters in the refrigerator prior to whipping the cream.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry cheesecake mixture. Use a spatula to combine without deflating the whipped cream. The goal is to keep it airy and fluffy for that light and creamy texture. Once everything is mixed and smooth, set it aside—we’re almost ready to assemble this beauty!

After the red velvet cake has baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time will make it easier to remove the cake without it breaking apart. Once it’s cool enough to handle, gently run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Release the springform and carefully lift the cake out, allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once your cake is completely cool, it’s time to assemble. Place the red velvet cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spoon the strawberry cheesecake filling over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you want a more layered effect, you could also cut the cake in half horizontally and spread the filling in between the layers. However, this will increase the difficulty slightly, so it’s optional!

After spreading the filling, it’s essential to chill the entire cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This will give the cheesecake filling a chance to set properly and meld with the cake’s flavors. Patience will pay off, as the flavors deepen and improve while it chills.

When you’re ready to serve this stunning dessert, take it out of the fridge. If desired, you can garnish the cheesecake with fresh strawberries, halved and arranged on top. A dollop of whipped cream can add an additional layer of indulgence, giving it that final touch of elegance.

Tips and Conclusion

For a special touch, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to your strawberry cheesecake filling to enhance the flavors further. This brightness can complement the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
Congratulations! You’ve just created a sumptuous Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste. The process of baking and chilling this dessert can feel like a labor of love, but believe me, the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they indulge in this treat will make it all worthwhile.

Don’t stop here! Explore other amazing recipes on our site that can pair perfectly with your cheesecake, like a creamy vanilla ice cream or a light fruit coulis. This red velvet strawberry cheesecake is just the beginning of your culinary adventures! Be sure to share your experiences with others and inspire them to join in on the fun. Happy baking!