Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that layers rich red velvet cake with creamy strawberry cheesecake, all topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This decadent treat is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or when you simply want to impress someone special. The combination of velvety red cake, tangy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries is truly irresistible!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering dessert recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red velvet layers paired with creamy white cheesecake and fresh strawberries make this dessert visually spectacular.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich cocoa-flavored cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberries is absolutely divine.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries, this dessert is sure to wow your guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, making it stress-free for entertaining.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- One 9-inch springform pan (for cheesecake layer)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper (for lining pans)
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease the springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and continue to beat until fully combined.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake Layers
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Mix in the buttermilk and white vinegar.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Red Velvet Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Layer the Cakes and Cheesecake:
- Place one red velvet layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Carefully place the chilled strawberry cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer.
- Add another thin layer of frosting on top of the cheesecake, then place the second red velvet layer on top.
- Frost the Cake:
- Apply a crumb coat of frosting and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Decorate the cake with halved fresh strawberries and optional white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for extra flair.
- Whipped Cream: Pipe dollops of whipped cream on top for a festive touch.
- Berry Sauce: Serve with a side of strawberry or raspberry sauce for added sweetness.
Tips for the Best Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Chill Time is Key: Ensure the cheesecake layer is fully chilled before assembly to maintain its shape.
- Level the Cakes: Use a serrated knife to level the red velvet cake layers for a perfectly stacked dessert.
- Gentle Handling: When layering, handle the cheesecake with care as it’s more delicate than the cake layers.
Storage Instructions
- Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the red velvet layers and cheesecake layer a day in advance. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
Q2: Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries work beautifully for a different fruity twist.
Q3: Can I skip the food coloring?
A: Yes! The cake will be more of a cocoa color but still delicious.
Conclusion: A Decadent Celebration Cake
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a stunning, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. The rich red velvet cake, creamy strawberry cheesecake, and fluffy cream cheese frosting create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.
Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review! We love seeing your baking creations.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Enjoy every luscious bite of this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, and wow your loved ones with this spectacular treat!
Print
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
Description
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that layers rich red velvet cake with creamy strawberry cheesecake, all topped with fresh strawberries and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This decadent treat is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or when you simply want to impress someone special. The combination of velvety red cake, tangy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries is truly irresistible!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering dessert recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring (liquid or gel)
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- White chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease the springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and continue to beat until fully combined.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake Layers
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
- Mix in the buttermilk and white vinegar.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Red Velvet Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Layer the Cakes and Cheesecake:
- Place one red velvet layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Carefully place the chilled strawberry cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer.
- Add another thin layer of frosting on top of the cheesecake, then place the second red velvet layer on top.
- Frost the Cake:
- Apply a crumb coat of frosting and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Decorate the cake with halved fresh strawberries and optional white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chill Time is Key: Ensure the cheesecake layer is fully chilled before assembly to maintain its shape.
- Level the Cakes: Use a serrated knife to level the red velvet cake layers for a perfectly stacked dessert.
- Gentle Handling: When layering, handle the cheesecake with care as it’s more delicate than the cake layers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Dessert
