Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Indulge in This Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy cheesecake swirls meet vibrant red velvet in this mouthwatering strawberry sensation that promises pure indulgence.

Luscious layers of rich flavor dance across your plate with elegant simplicity.

Sweet strawberries whisper delicate notes through each decadent bite.

Soft cream cheese melts into velvety cake crumbs, creating a dessert that feels like an intimate celebration.

Delicate crimson patterns hint at the passionate romance waiting inside every slice.

Chocolate undertones complement the fruity brightness, making each forkful a delightful surprise.

You are about to experience a dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

FAQs for Red Velvet Cheesecake Fans

  • What makes red velvet cake different from other chocolate cakes?

Red velvet cake uses a small amount of cocoa powder and gets its distinctive color from food coloring and a reaction between cocoa powder and vinegar, creating a subtle chocolate flavor with a unique reddish hue.

  • Can I make this recipe without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the cake will lose its signature red color. Natural alternatives like beetroot powder can provide a similar reddish tint while adding subtle flavor.

  • Why does the recipe use both buttermilk and vinegar?

Buttermilk and vinegar create a tangy flavor and help activate the baking soda, which ensures a tender, light cake texture by producing tiny air bubbles during baking.

  • Is it important to not fully bake the red velvet cake base?

Yes, partially baking the cake layer ensures it won’t become too dry when baked again with the cheesecake, resulting in a moist and tender cake base with the perfect texture.

What Makes Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake So Special

  • This red velvet strawberry cheesecake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a stunning dessert without complex techniques.
  • From start to finish, this recipe can be prepared in under an hour, allowing busy home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The combination of rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries makes this dessert a showstopper for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or summer gatherings.
  • With its beautiful red and white color palette, this cheesecake works wonderfully for Valentine's Day celebrations, romantic date nights, or as a stunning centerpiece dessert that impresses guests.

Ingredients for a Bold and Beautiful Dessert

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for a soft, tender red velvet cake layer with light texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth cake structure.
  • Baking Soda: Key leavening agent for creating a light, airy cake texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance and controls chemical reactions.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate undertone and deep red color to the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, preventing dryness.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate baking soda for better rise.
  • Large Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor enhancement.
  • White Vinegar: Helps activate baking soda and creates tender crumb.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates signature vibrant red color of red velvet cake.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy cake removal.
  • Springform Pan: Allows for easy cheesecake and cake layer removal.

Steps to Make This Layered Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cocoa powder

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Cake Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Whole egg
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • White vinegar
  • Vibrant red food coloring

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Bake Initial Cake Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly set but not fully cooked. The cake will continue baking with the cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Cool Cake Base

Remove from oven and allow cake layer to cool slightly, preparing for the next delicious stage of the cheesecake.

Tips for Texture, Taste, and Presentation

  • Prevent Color Bleeding: Add food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure even red color distribution without streaks or uneven patches.
  • Moisture-Locking Technique: Let the red velvet cake layer cool completely before adding cheesecake layer to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Smooth Blending Strategy: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently using a spatula to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cake texture.
  • Temperature Control Hack: Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation and smoother batter consistency, especially with buttermilk and eggs.
  • Non-Stick Baking Trick: Line springform pan with parchment paper and grease sides to ensure easy cake removal and prevent sticking.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Cheesecake

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavors.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent texture breakdown and maintain the creamy consistency.

What Complements This Dessert Best

  • Select a chilled rosé champagne or sparkling moscato to complement the sweet strawberry and rich red velvet flavors, cutting through the creamy cheesecake texture with delightful effervescence.
  • Mix a light strawberry martini or raspberry mojito that echoes the cake's fruity undertones, providing a vibrant and refreshing counterpoint to the dense dessert.
  • Serve with a smooth vanilla latte or caramel macchiato that balances the cake's sweetness, offering a warm and comforting accompaniment that enhances the rich cheesecake experience.
  • Choose a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or a late harvest Riesling, which harmonizes perfectly with the strawberry and red velvet notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner indulgence.

Twists on the Traditional Flavor Profile

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cocoa powder. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based buttermilk, replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternatives, and choose dairy-free whipped topping. Select natural food coloring derived from beets for red color.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in cake layer. Replace traditional sugar in cheesecake filling with low-carb sweeteners. Select fresh strawberries for natural sweetness without added sugars.
  • Chocolate Berry Remix: Swap red food coloring for dark cocoa powder, creating a chocolate base. Add fresh raspberries alongside strawberries for a mixed berry cheesecake experience.
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Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake promises a luxurious dessert experience that blends rich cocoa and creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberry notes. Sweet layers of crimson cake and silky filling will transport sensory memories to a delightful culinary paradise you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Fruit Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups (225 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) strawberry jam or preserves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Craft the vibrant red velvet foundation by blending cocoa-infused dry ingredients with liquid elements, creating a velvety crimson batter.
  2. Carefully transfer the scarlet mixture into a meticulously prepared springform pan, ensuring an even surface.
  3. Partially bake the cake layer until it sets but maintains a tender texture, allowing residual heat to complete the cooking process during cheesecake assembly.
  4. Allow the ruby-hued base to cool and stabilize, preparing for the luxurious cheesecake layer that will crown this decadent dessert.
  5. The initial cake layer serves as a rich, dramatically colored platform that will provide depth and dramatic visual contrast to the upcoming creamy filling.
  6. Ensure the red velvet base is uniform and smooth, with no excess moisture that might compromise the structural integrity of the final dessert.
  7. The partially baked cake should exhibit a slight firmness while retaining a delicate, yielding interior that will seamlessly integrate with the subsequent cheesecake components.
  8. Let the crimson foundation rest and settle, creating an ideal canvas for the forthcoming velvety cream cheese topping that will elevate this indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Experiment with natural red coloring like beetroot juice or pomegranate powder for a healthier alternative to artificial food coloring.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more even cake and cheesecake batter without lumps.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce sugar by 25% and add extra vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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