Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake. Featuring layers of rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
A Showstopper for Any Occasion
The Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it is a centerpiece that elevates any gathering. Its vibrant red hue and luscious layers create a visually stunning impression on your guests. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, bridal shower, or holiday feast, this cheesecake will captivate hearts and taste buds alike.
The combination of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake is irresistible. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, with the subtle cocoa from the red velvet complementing the tartness of fresh strawberries and the richness of the cheesecake. It’s a harmonious blend that makes every celebration even more memorable.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature. This is especially crucial for the cream cheese and eggs, as it helps them blend smoothly and creates a creamy texture in the cheesecake layer. Room temperature ingredients also help in achieving even baking throughout your cake layers.
When it comes to layering your cake, patience is key. Allow the cake and cheesecake to cool completely before assembling. This prevents melting and ensures that the structure holds up beautifully when sliced. Additionally, consider refrigerating the stacked cake for longer to enhance its stability and allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake shines on its own, you can elevate it with different toppings. Consider a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added decadence or sprinkle some crushed nuts for a delightful crunch. Experimenting with toppings can give this classic dessert a refreshing twist every time you serve it.
This recipe can also be adapted for different occasions. For a more holiday-centric version, incorporate seasonal fruits like raspberries or pomegranate seeds. You could even create a layered version with additional cheesecake varieties, such as chocolate or lemon, to create stunning visual contrast and flavor diversity.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla, eggs, and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
Bake the Cheesecake
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour before removing to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes and cheesecake have cooled, stack two layers of red velvet cake, placing the cheesecake layer on top. Add the final layer of cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Decorate and Serve
Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Slice and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake!
Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Storing Your Cheesecake
The Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftover desserts. Be sure to cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
If you plan to make this cheesecake ahead of time, consider freezing it. Wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving hits.
Perfect Pairings
Pairing a rich cheesecake with complementary beverages enhances the overall dining experience. A chilled glass of sweet sparkling wine or a rich mocha coffee can harmonize beautifully with the creaminess of the cheesecake. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade adds a zesty contrast to balance out the sweetness.
Besides beverages, consider serving this dessert with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions not only enhance the flavor profile but also add a refreshing element to each bite, making each serving a delightful adventure.
Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake. Featuring layers of rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat at home. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla, eggs, and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an hour before removing to cool completely.
Once the cakes and cheesecake have cooled, stack two layers of red velvet cake, placing the cheesecake layer on top. Add the final layer of cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Slice and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 6g