The Dreamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe You Need Now

Creamy red velvet strawberry cheesecake promises a delightful twist on classic dessert traditions.

Sweet layers of vibrant crimson cake mingle with luscious cream cheese filling.

Ripe strawberries add bursts of freshness throughout each decadent slice.

Smooth textures blend perfectly against a crisp graham cracker crust.

Delicate chocolate undertones complement the fruity strawberry notes beautifully.

Weekend bakers will adore crafting this showstopping treat for special occasions.

Let’s dive into a dessert that turns ordinary moments into pure celebration.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Is a Showstopper

• Impress friends and family with a show-stopping red velvet strawberry cheesecake that looks professionally made.
• Perfect for novice bakers with simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen ingredients that anyone can follow.
• Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, Valentine's Day, or weekend gatherings where you want a memorable dessert that wows guests.
• Straightforward mixing technique and minimal complex steps make this recipe stress-free and enjoyable to create, even for those with limited baking experience.

Ingredients to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a subtle chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cake's texture.

• Fresh Strawberries, Cream Cheese: Essential components for creating the strawberry cheesecake topping and completing the dessert's flavor profile.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Generously coat a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these dry components together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

You want a smooth, even batter with no lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer the gorgeous red batter into your prepared cake pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfect surface.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Once baked, let the cake cool completely inside the pan.

Key Tips for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue without watering down the batter, ensuring a rich and consistent color throughout the cake.
• Add a splash of sour cream to the buttermilk mixture for extra moisture and a tender crumb that stays soft for days.
• Chill the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Mix a pinch of espresso powder into the cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate notes without adding coffee taste.
• Line the cake pan with parchment paper, creating an overhang on the sides for effortless cake removal and clean slicing.

Keep Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Fresh Longer

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm a single slice at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent texture loss and maintain creamy consistency.
• Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften the texture. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Flavors That Pair Well with Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Savor Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Bold Espresso Contrast: A rich, dark espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor explosion that enhances the red velvet's cocoa undertones and brightens the creamy cheesecake layers.
• Chill Champagne Elegance: Sparkling champagne's crisp bubbles and light acidity perfectly complement the dessert's richness, offering a sophisticated and refreshing counterpoint to the dense, sweet cake.
• Match Fresh Berries Garnish: A side of fresh raspberries or additional sliced strawberries adds a vibrant, tangy element that echoes the cake's fruity notes, providing a bright and refreshing contrast to the creamy cheesecake texture.
• Pair Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream melts deliciously against the warm red velvet cake, creating a classic dessert combination that amplifies the cake's richness and provides a cool, creamy contrast.

Style Variations on Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cheesecake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly dessert. Maintain similar measurements and baking technique.
• Vegan Berry Cheesecake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and replace dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Select plant-based red food coloring for vibrant appearance.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's rich flavor profile. Choose sugar-free food coloring for additional calorie reduction.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Cheesecake: Switch buttermilk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and select dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep original recipe's core ingredients and baking method intact.

FAQs

• What makes red velvet cake different from other cakes?

Red velvet cake uses a small amount of cocoa powder and buttermilk, which gives it a unique tangy flavor and distinctive reddish-brown color. The addition of vinegar and baking soda creates a tender, soft texture that sets it apart from traditional chocolate or vanilla cakes.

• Why do I need to add vinegar to the recipe?

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and create a lighter, fluffier texture. It also enhances the tanginess and helps activate the chemical leavening agents, resulting in a more tender crumb.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly. This will provide the same tangy flavor and chemical properties as buttermilk.

• How do I ensure my red velvet cake has a vibrant red color?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it provides a more intense color without thinning the batter. Add the food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to distribute the color evenly throughout the cake batter.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet strawberry cheesecake brings luxurious layers of crimson cake and creamy filling together in perfect harmony. Sweet strawberry notes and rich cream cheese create a dessert that whispers pure decadence with each silky slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by thoroughly coating with grease and flour.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the wet ingredients, mixing buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth and uniform.
4. Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding and stirring until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a level surface.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely within the pan, ensuring the cake sets and maintains its structure.

Notes

• Customize color intensity by adjusting red food coloring amount for deeper or lighter red velvet shade.
• Balance vinegar and buttermilk carefully to ensure perfect cake texture and subtle tangy flavor.
• Consider gluten-free alternative by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for dietary restrictions.
• Chill cake thoroughly before adding cheesecake layer to prevent crumbling and maintain clean, professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg