Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Treat yourself to a luscious blend of flavors with this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe. Combining the classic richness of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. It's an eye-catching centerpiece that guests will rave about and is sure to impress anyone who loves a delightful twist on traditional desserts.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a remarkable dessert that perfectly balances the rich, velvety flavors of the cake with the light and creamy texture of cheesecake. Each bite offers a harmonious contrast that excites the palate, making it an unforgettable experience. The distinct taste of cocoa in the red velvet cake complements the sweet and tangy essence of the strawberry cheesecake, ensuring that every slice is a delightful journey of flavors.
This cheesecake isn't just about taste; it's also about texture. The creamy cheesecake layer provides a smooth finish that contrasts beautifully with the moist, dense red velvet base. When topped with fresh strawberries, the entire dessert comes alive, offering bursts of juicy sweetness that enhance the overall enjoyment. This combination is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making it a show-stopping addition to any gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion
From birthday parties to holiday celebrations, the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is versatile enough to be the centerpiece of any occasion. Its vibrant color and elegant presentation make it an eye-catching dessert that can impress guests or create a memorable moment for family gatherings. Whether you're celebrating a special event or simply indulging yourself, this cheesecake adds a touch of decadence to the table.
Moreover, it’s perfect for those who want to explore their culinary skills. Baking this cheesecake engages both novice and experienced bakers, allowing for creativity in presentation. You can customize the toppings by adding chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or drizzles of a sauce, taking this dessert from delicious to extraordinary, tailored just to your taste.
Tips for the Best Results
To ensure a perfectly baked cheesecake, it's essential to follow a few key tips. First, allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth texture. Additionally, bake your cheesecake in a water bath to help regulate the temperature and prevent cracks on the surface. This technique ensures everything stays moist and evenly cooked, yielding a flawless dessert every time.
Chilling the cheesecake is another step that should not be overlooked. Ideally, it should be refrigerated overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set completely. If you don't have that much time, aim for at least four hours in the refrigerator before serving. This will enhance the overall experience, making each bite a true delight.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake Layer
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Make the Red Velvet Layer
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Layer and Bake
Once the red velvet layer is baked and cooled, pour the cheesecake mixture over the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for another hour.
Chill and Serve
Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and freshness of your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. To store, cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator. It’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to five days.
If you have leftovers that you won’t consume within that timeframe, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a piece of this delightful dessert later on. When you're ready to indulge again, simply thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, consider elevating the presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an added touch of elegance. A dollop of whipped cream can enhance the indulgence, while providing a beautiful contrast to the deep red color of the cheesecake. Fresh mint leaves as a garnish can also bring a refreshing note to the dish.
Pairing the cheesecake with a cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine can create a delightful dessert experience. The richness of the cheesecake is balanced well with the bitterness of coffee or the effervescence of sparkling wine, making it a sophisticated conclusion to a meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving style to reflect your personal taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought red velvet cake?
Yes, you can use store-bought red velvet cake if you're short on time.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Treat yourself to a luscious blend of flavors with this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe. Combining the classic richness of red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. It's an eye-catching centerpiece that guests will rave about and is sure to impress anyone who loves a delightful twist on traditional desserts.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Red Velvet Cake Layer
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, and mix until smooth. Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream.
Once the red velvet layer is baked and cooled, pour the cheesecake mixture over the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for another hour.
Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 5g