Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake: A Comforting Delight
There’s something undeniably magical about dessert-making, especially when it comes to whipping up a dreamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. This delightful recipe takes me back to sunny afternoons spent at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where the air was thick with sweet aromas and the comforting sound of laughter filled every corner. With its velvety texture, rich flavors, and the vibrant hues of strawberries, this cheesecake is not just a treat—it’s a cozy hug for your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence on a quiet evening, this easy yet impressive dessert is sure to win hearts. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Decadent: This cheesecake pairs the classic red velvet cake with a luscious cheesecake layer, creating a beautiful and rich flavor combination.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, this stunning dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight your guests.
- Fresh Strawberry Topping: The sweet and tangy slices of fresh strawberries add a vibrant burst of color and flavor, making every slice irresistible.
- Easy to Follow Steps: Each step is straightforward, making this a perfect weekend baking project for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Impressive Presentation: With its layers of red velvet and creamy cheesecake, this treat will look gorgeous on any dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
To bring this cozy creation to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (for topping)
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking together! Here’s how to create this beautiful dessert:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- In another large bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix well to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that signature red velvet flavor.
- Pour the batter equally into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the creamy cheesecake layer, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar using a mixer until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and blend until combined.
- Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture on top and add the sliced fresh strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down, and frost the top with whipped cream.
- Finish by decorating with additional strawberries if desired, then chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations & Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to customize your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake for a twist:
- Zesty Citrus Addition: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the cheesecake layer for a refreshing tang.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added texture and richness.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle a warm chocolate ganache over the whipped cream topping.
- Flavored Cheesecake Layer: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut in the cheesecake mixture for a unique flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake turns out just perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Simply store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened; it blends more easily, creating a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the whipped cream from melting.
- Slicing Tip: Use a hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) to get clean cuts through the layers.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Enjoying a slice of this delightful dessert won’t break your diet. Here’s the nutrition breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for some quick answers? Here are common questions about the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! The cake can be baked the day before, and the cheesecake layer can be made a few hours in advance.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to use non-dairy milk or sugar substitutes based on your dietary needs.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover cheesecake wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Typically, this cheesecake can keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge, but it’s best fresh!
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, a deliciously rich Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that’s perfect for any occasion! With its layers of fluffy red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and a delightful strawberry topping, this dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting treat that brings smiles to all who partake.
Save this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake to your holiday dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking!
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Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and rich Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, perfect for any occasion with layers of fluffy red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the white vinegar and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread cheesecake mixture on top and add sliced strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost with whipped cream.
- Decorate with additional strawberries and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead friendly; cakes can be baked a day in advance. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Red Velvet, Strawberry, Cheesecake, Dessert, Baking, Easy Recipe