Imagine the perfect marriage of rich, velvety red velvet cake and creamy, luscious cheesecake, all crowned with vibrant, juicy strawberries bursting with sweetness. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s an indulgent experience that captivates the senses and elevates any celebration or cozy night in. The deep red hue paired with the smooth cream cheese layer creates a stunning visual contrast that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. With every forkful, you’ll enjoy a symphony of textures and flavors that feel both luxurious and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Crowd-Pleasing: This cheesecake blends classic favorites into one irresistible dessert that’s sure to delight family and friends.
Decadently Creamy: The cheesecake layer is rich and silky, perfectly complementing the soft red velvet base.
Vibrant Strawberry Freshness: Fresh strawberries add a juicy, natural sweetness and a refreshing bite.
Stunning Presentation: Its striking red and white layers topped with bright strawberries make it a showstopper for any occasion.
Balanced Sweetness: The tanginess of the cream cheese balances the sweetness of the cake and strawberries for a harmonious flavor profile.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or romantic dinner, this dessert impresses effortlessly.
Made with Simple Ingredients: Despite its gourmet feel, the recipe uses familiar ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Let’s kick things off with the essential ingredients that make this dish unforgettable:
Crushed graham crackers: These form the base of your cheesecake, providing a sweet and crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together, adding richness and flavor.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! Softened cream cheese gives the cheesecake its rich, creamy texture.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Large eggs: Eggs help to set the cheesecake, giving it structure and a smooth consistency.
Cocoa powder: Just a tablespoon adds a hint of chocolate flavor, enhancing the red velvet experience.
Red food coloring: This is what gives your cheesecake that iconic red hue, making it visually stunning.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture, balancing the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Fresh strawberries: These are the perfect topping, adding freshness and a burst of flavor.
Strawberry jam: A sweet glaze that ties everything together, making each slice irresistible.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist. If strawberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap the jam for raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Creating your own Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a dessert that will wow your friends and family!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9-inch springform pan and grease it well. This will help your cheesecake release easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine your crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until everything is well blended. The mixture should feel like wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan. This crust will provide a delicious crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Next, gently mix in the sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cracks in your cheesecake. Once it’s ready, pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Place your cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You want the center to be set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks and gives you that perfect texture.
Step 6: Chill and Top
After the hour is up, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. Before serving, spread the strawberry jam evenly over the top and arrange the sliced strawberries beautifully. Your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is now ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the sour cream to avoid cracks.
Use a water bath for baking to keep the cheesecake moist and prevent cracking.
Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven for the best texture.
Top with fresh strawberries just before serving for maximum freshness.
Equipment Needed
9-inch springform pan: Essential for easy removal; a regular cake pan works in a pinch.
Electric mixer: For smooth batter; a whisk can be used, but it’ll take longer.
Mixing bowls: Have a few on hand for different steps.
Spatula: Perfect for smoothing the batter and scraping bowls.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter for a delightful chocolatey twist.
Berry Medley: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries for a colorful topping.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Vegan Version: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs for a plant-based treat.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Coffee: A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cheesecake beautifully.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with mint for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds extra creaminess.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an indulgent touch.
FAQs about Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Can I make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight. Just prepare it a day in advance, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests when you need it.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but I doubt it will last that long!
Can I freeze Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
What’s the best way to slice the cheesecake?
For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before cutting. This helps prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the knife, giving you those perfect, beautiful slices.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting memories. Each slice tells a story, whether it’s a celebration with friends or a quiet evening treat. The vibrant colors and luscious flavors bring joy to any table, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings. Plus, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they savor each bite? Priceless. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let this cheesecake be a delicious reminder of the sweet moments in life. You won’t just make dessert; you’ll create happiness!
A rich and creamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with fresh strawberries and a smooth cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until creamy.
Add the vanilla extract, eggs, cocoa powder, and red food coloring to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Mix in the sour cream until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional hour to cool gradually.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, spread the strawberry jam evenly over the top of the cheesecake and arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter before baking.
Substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different flavor profile.
