If you are looking for the ultimate showstopper dessert, the Strawberry Delight Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe is the one. This indulgent treat combines the soft richness of red velvet cake, the creamy decadence of cheesecake, and the brightness of fresh strawberries. Each bite offers a balance of tangy cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and moist cake that is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special gathering.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Why Red Velvet and Cheesecake Make the Perfect Pair
Red velvet cake has always been a classic, known for its vibrant color and soft crumb. When paired with cheesecake, the combination turns into something spectacular. The smooth cheesecake filling enhances the cakeโs cocoa undertones, creating a rich flavor profile that feels indulgent yet balanced.
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The Role of Fresh Strawberries in Balancing Flavors
Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, cutting through the richness of the cheesecake and cake layers. Their juiciness also adds a refreshing contrast in both taste and texture, making the dessert lighter while still satisfying. For this reason, choosing ripe and fresh berries is key.
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Strawberry Delight Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe
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Description
A decadent dessert with layers of moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Bonus Topping (Optional):
Whipped cream for extra decadence.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
6. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add sugar and vanilla. Mix well.
8. Add eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly.
9. Pour over red velvet cake. Bake at 325ยฐF for 45 minutes.
10. Cool and layer with remaining cake.
11. Chill 2 hours in refrigerator.
12. Mix strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
13. Top cake with strawberries and serve.
Notes
Best served chilled. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 5 days.
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Nutrition
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Ingredients and Preparation
Breaking Down the Ingredients by Section
To create this dessert, weโll work in three parts: red velvet cake, cheesecake filling, and strawberry topping.
Red Velvet Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Optional Bonus Topping
- Whipped cream for added decadence
Pro Tips for Choosing the Best Strawberries and Cream Cheese
Always choose strawberries that are bright red and firm without soft spots. For cream cheese, full-fat varieties deliver the best results since they create a richer texture in the cheesecake layer. Avoid low-fat versions as they can make the filling watery.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Making the Red Velvet Layers Fluffy and Moist
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
- Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until combined, but do not overmix.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
Perfecting the Cheesecake Filling Without Cracks
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla gradually.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Pour the mixture over one cooled red velvet layer.
- Bake at 325ยฐF (160ยฐC) for about 45 minutes. The center should remain slightly jiggly. Cool fully before assembling.
Assembling the Strawberry Delight
Layering the Cake and Cheesecake Seamlessly
Place one red velvet layer on a serving plate. Spread cheesecake filling evenly, then add the second red velvet cake layer. Press gently to secure the layers together. Chill for at least two hours before adding the topping.
Chilling and Adding the Strawberry Topping for a Showstopper Look
Combine sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them rest for 15 minutes so they release juices. Once the cake has chilled, spoon the strawberries over the top, allowing the syrup to drip down the sides for an elegant presentation.
Serving and Storing Ideas
Best Ways to Serve at Parties or Gatherings
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with whipped cream and whole strawberries. Serve slices on white plates to let the colors pop. Pairing this cake with a drink like Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe creates a comforting experience.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Longevity
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The cheesecake layer stays fresh for about five days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, then foil.
Variations and Creative Twist
Turning It Into Cupcakes or Mini Desserts
Transform the recipe into cupcakes by layering red velvet batter and cheesecake filling in cupcake liners. Bake at 325ยฐF for about 20 minutes. Top with strawberries after chilling.
Adding Chocolate Drizzle or Whipped Cream Topping
For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the strawberries or pipe whipped cream along the edges. You can also use Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting to decorate.
Pairings and Occasions
Perfect Drinks to Serve With This Dessert
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with coffee or hot drinks like Classic Vanilla Cupcakes often do. Sparkling wine or rosรฉ also enhances the strawberry toppingโs freshness.
Occasions Where This Recipe Shines
This dessert makes a perfect choice for birthdays, Valentineโs Day, and holiday gatherings. It also fits well for potlucks where you want to bring a memorable dish.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery topping.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake layer?
Do not overbeat the eggs and bake slowly at a lower temperature. Cooling gradually also helps.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and cheesecake layers a day in advance. Add the strawberries just before serving.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick alternative.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Delight Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe brings together three beloved flavors into one unforgettable dessert. With moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, it creates the perfect centerpiece for special occasions. Try it once, and it will surely become a family favorite.
