Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of romance and indulgence, look no further than this red velvet strawberry cheesecake. It’s the perfect way to bring some sweetness into your life, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself. The combination of smooth cheesecake, rich cocoa flavor, and fresh strawberries is a match made in dessert heaven.

This recipe is designed to impress not only with its vibrant appearance but also with its delightful taste. The velvety texture of the cheesecake pairs beautifully with the light and fruity notes of the strawberries, creating a harmonious blend that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for those who may not consider themselves baking experts.

A Strawberry Delight with a Twist

This red velvet strawberry cheesecake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The base features a moist red velvet cake, which is rich in cocoa, creating a luxurious foundation for the creamy cheesecake layer on top.

The cheesecake itself is a velvety blend of smooth cream cheese and sweetened whipped cream, perfectly balanced to complement the chocolate notes of the cake. Fresh strawberries add a vibrant touch, both in flavor and presentation, making each slice visually appealing.

Creating the Perfect Crust

The crust for this cheesecake is made by combining crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter. This mixture is pressed into the bottom of a springform pan, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft cheesecake layer.

Baking the crust for a short period helps it set, ensuring it holds up well under the weight of the cheesecake. It serves as a solid foundation that enhances the overall experience of the dessert, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.

Crafting the Red Velvet Cake

Making the red velvet cake is a straightforward process that yields a tender and flavorful base. The ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and buttermilk, which contribute to the cake’s moistness and rich flavor.

Adding red food coloring gives the cake its signature hue, making it an eye-catching centerpiece. The combination of dry and wet ingredients results in a smooth batter that bakes to perfection, creating a soft and inviting slice ready for the cheesecake layer.

The Cheesecake Layer: A Creamy Indulgence

The cheesecake layer is where the magic truly happens. By beating cream cheese until smooth and folding in whipped heavy cream, you create a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the cake beneath.

Sweetened with powdered sugar and infused with vanilla, the cheesecake mixture is both rich and refreshing. It provides a delightful balance to the cocoa flavors of the red velvet cake, ensuring every forkful is a harmonious blend of taste sensations.

Assembling Your Cheesecake

Assembling the cheesecake is a satisfying step that brings all the components together. Once the red velvet cake has cooled completely, the cheesecake layer is spread evenly over the top.

Fresh strawberries are then added, not only enhancing the flavor but also making the dessert visually appealing. Allowing the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator ensures it sets properly and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delightful treat that’s ready to be served.

Presenting Your Masterpiece

When it’s time to serve, carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a beautiful plate. Garnishing with additional fresh strawberries adds a touch of elegance and invites everyone to dig in.

This dessert is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you wish to treat yourself to something delightful. Each slice promises a delicious experience, combining the richness of red velvet with the refreshing taste of strawberries, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
• Additional strawberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
2. Make the Red Velvet Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined. Pour the batter over the cooled crust.
3. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake layer over the cooled red velvet cake. Top with sliced strawberries. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Serve: Once set, carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries before slicing and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g