Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover the perfect balance of rich, velvety red velvet cake layered with a luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. Topped with fresh strawberries and a light whipped cream, this dessert is not just visually stunning but also a delightful treat for any special occasion. Impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert that captures the essence of romance and celebration.
This recipe for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one show-stopping masterpiece. The rich colors and flavors come together to create an unforgettable experience for any occasion.
A Romantic Dessert for Any Occasion
The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it's a statement. Its vibrant hues of red and creamy white layers create an eye-catching centerpiece, perfect for romantic dinners, anniversaries, or festive celebrations. The combination of flavors—rich chocolate notes from the red velvet cake harmonizing with the sweet and tangy strawberry cheesecake—makes each bite an indulgent experience.
Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, a birthday, or simply hosting a dinner party, this cheesecake will impress your guests and set a delightful tone for the occasion. Imagine serving this stunning dessert at the end of your meal, immediately captivating everyone with its presentation while tempting their taste buds with sweetness.
Perfecting the Layers: Tips for Success
Creating this exquisite dessert requires attention to detail, particularly during the assembly phase. It's important to ensure that both the red velvet cake and the cheesecake filling are completely cooled before layering. This helps prevent any melting or blending of flavors, resulting in distinct and beautiful layers.
When spreading the cheesecake filling between the layers, take your time to create even and smooth layers. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that each slice of cheesecake delights your guests with balanced flavors. Additionally, chilling the assembled cheesecake for a sufficient time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
To elevate your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for added texture and flavor. Fresh mint leaves can also add a bright contrast, enhancing both the appearance and the overall taste experience.
For those looking to experiment, you can substitute the strawberry puree with other fruit flavors such as raspberry or blueberry. Each twist adds a unique flair to the cheesecake while keeping the core recipe intact. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dessert for different seasons or personal preferences.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before removing from pans.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the strawberry puree.
Pour the filling into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50 minutes or until set. Allow to cool completely.
Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake and cake have cooled, layer the cheesecake filling between the two red velvet layers. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and enjoy your beautiful creation!
Storing Your Cheesecake
When it comes to storing the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, make sure to keep it in the refrigerator. The cheesecake should be well covered to prevent it from absorbing odors and moisture from other foods. A good quality cake box or wrapping it with plastic wrap can help maintain its freshness.
If you anticipate leftovers, this cheesecake will keep well in the fridge for up to five days. However, for optimal flavor and texture, aim to consume it within the first three days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
The Benefits of Homemade Desserts
Making your desserts from scratch offers numerous benefits. Not only do you have control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality, but you can also customize them to your taste preferences. Homemade desserts are a great way to impress guests and showcase your baking skills, contributing to memorable moments.
Additionally, preparing a dessert like this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake can be a fun and rewarding experience. Coordinating the flavors and creating a stunning presentation provides a sense of accomplishment that store-bought options simply can't match.
Pairing Suggestions
To fully enjoy your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, consider pairing it with a light sparkling wine or a sweet dessert wine. Champagne or prosecco enhances the celebratory mood and complements the sweetness of the cheesecake, creating a delightful balance.
For coffee lovers, a freshly brewed cup of coffee can also serve as a perfect accompaniment. The rich, bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cheesecake, making for an enjoyable dessert experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheesecake a day in advance?
Absolutely! This cheesecake holds its flavor and texture well in the refrigerator for a day.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Discover the perfect balance of rich, velvety red velvet cake layered with a luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. Topped with fresh strawberries and a light whipped cream, this dessert is not just visually stunning but also a delightful treat for any special occasion. Impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert that captures the essence of romance and celebration.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before removing from pans.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the strawberry puree.
Pour the filling into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50 minutes or until set. Allow to cool completely.
Once the cheesecake and cake have cooled, layer the cheesecake filling between the two red velvet layers. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g