Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts. The moist, tender red velvet cake base provides a beautiful contrast to the smooth, tangy cheesecake layer above it. The vibrant red color creates a stunning visual presentation, while the fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of natural sweetness and a pop of color that makes this dessert absolutely irresistible.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The subtle chocolate notes in the red velvet cake complement the rich cream cheese layer beautifully, while the fresh strawberries provide a refreshing finish that cuts through the richness. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dessert delivers both visual impact and incredible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Red Velvet Cake

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • ½ tsp white vinegar

For Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Topping

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup strawberry preserves
  • Whipped cream for garnish

How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Red Velvet Base:

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar, whisking until smooth and well incorporated.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and vibrant red in color. Pour this batter into your prepared springform pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Creating the Cheesecake Layer:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.

Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet cake layer in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The cheesecake layer should completely cover the cake base.

Baking the Cheesecake:

Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential leaks. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for about an hour. This prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, beautiful surface. After cooling in the oven, transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before refrigerating.

Final Assembly:

Once the cheesecake has chilled for at least 4 hours or overnight, prepare your strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, gently warm the strawberry preserves until they become pourable but not hot. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake and brush them lightly with the warmed preserves for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Helpful Tips

To achieve the perfect Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning, especially the cream cheese and eggs. This prevents lumps and creates a smoother texture. When mixing the cheesecake layer, avoid overbeating as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking.

For the most vibrant red color, use gel food coloring rather than liquid, as it provides better color without thinning the batter. If you notice any cracks forming during cooling, don’t worry – the strawberry topping will cover them beautifully.

Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 50-60 minutes
Cooling Time: 5+ hours
Total Time: 6+ hours
Servings: 12-16 slices
Difficulty: Intermediate

Notes

This Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. The cake base provides a sturdy foundation that won’t become soggy, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining.

For best results, use a water bath (bain-marie) by wrapping the bottom of your springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water. This creates a more gentle, even heat that helps prevent cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesecake without the red velvet base?
While the red velvet base is what makes this recipe special, you can substitute it with a graham cracker crust or vanilla cake base if preferred.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, don’t overbeat the mixture, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for the topping, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Pat them dry before using.

How far in advance can I make this?
This Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake can be made up to 3 days in advance. Add the strawberry topping just before serving for the best appearance.

Storage Instructions

Store your finished Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the strawberry topping) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving and add fresh strawberry topping.

Individual slices can also be frozen for quick single servings. Wrap each slice individually and store in a freezer-safe container.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, you might also enjoy these other delicious desserts from runoflif.com:

Conclusion

This Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just a dessert – it’s a centerpiece that brings joy to any gathering. The combination of the tender red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe. While it requires some patience for the cooling and chilling process, the end result is absolutely worth the wait.

Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, this Ultimate Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake delivers on both taste and visual appeal. The recipe may seem complex, but by following the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll create a professional-quality dessert that rivals any bakery creation. Don’t be surprised when this becomes your go-to show-stopping dessert for years to come.

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