Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a lovely treat for yourself and your loved ones.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a showstopper! The vibrant red color and luscious layers of cream cheese and strawberries make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table. Plus, it offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. If you love the classic red velvet cake and cheesecake, this recipe is a must-try.
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Creating Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake at home may seem a bit challenging, but it’s quite straightforward with this guide. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 (8 oz / 226g) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for the glaze)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, chopped
- Whipped cream (for decoration)
- Optional: blueberries or other berries
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- 1 large egg (for the cake layers)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cake layers)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for the cake layers)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
Make the Red Velvet Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter into a greased and parchment-lined 8-inch (20cm) springform pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the strawberries and cook until the glaze thickens. Let cool.
Assemble the Cake: Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting (optional) and carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top. Add the second red velvet cake layer on top of the cheesecake. Spread the cooled strawberry glaze over the top. Enjoy your homemade Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake!
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Serve your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake chilled. You can slice it into wedges and top each slice with extra whipped cream or fresh strawberries. This adds a nice touch and makes it even more appealing!
How to Store Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Make sure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip chilling the cheesecake; it helps to set properly and makes layers easier to cut.
- If you want a sweeter cheesecake, you can add more sugar to your cheesecake batter.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer for extra chocolate flavor, or replace strawberries with raspberries or cherries for a different fruit glaze.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of food coloring?
A: Yes, you can use any red food coloring you have on hand, but gel food coloring gives the best color without altering the cake’s texture.
Q: How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
A: The cheesecake should be set at the edges, but the center will still be slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix designed for baking. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Enjoy making this delicious and beautiful Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake!