Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Indulging in a red velvet strawberry cheesecake promises a delightful dance of rich, velvety textures and sweet, tangy notes.

Layers of crimson cake embrace a silky cream cheese filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Juicy strawberries nestled between decadent tiers add a burst of freshness to each heavenly slice.

Soft, moist crumbs complement the creamy center with an irresistible contrast that beckons dessert enthusiasts.

Pure magic happens when classic red velvet meets the luscious charm of strawberry-infused cheesecake.

Every forkful tells a story of careful crafting and passionate baking.

Prepare to fall in love with this show-stopping dessert that turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of flavor.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake: Velvet Meets Berry

  • Craft Stunning Dessert: Impress guests with a show-stopping red velvet strawberry cheesecake that looks professionally made.
  • Blend Flavors Perfectly: Enjoy the rich combination of velvety red cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberry topping in every delightful bite.
  • Master Baker Skills: Learn advanced baking techniques while creating a multi-layered dessert that builds confidence in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Delight family and friends with a decadent dessert that works beautifully for special celebrations or weekend gatherings.

Ingredient List for Red Velvet Cheesecake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure to the red velvet cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers the signature chocolate undertone of red velvet cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft cake crumb.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps activate the leavening agents.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cake.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates the iconic deep red color of red velvet cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cake.
  • White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda for better rise.
Cheesecake Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the rich, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the cheesecake.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help set the cheesecake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
  • Strawberry Puree: Introduces a fruity flavor to the cheesecake.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries, Granulated Sugar, Lemon Juice: Create a sweet and tangy macerated strawberry topping.

Steps for Red Velvet Strawberry Bliss

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Grab an 8-inch springform pan and give it a friendly coating of grease.

Line the bottom with a parchment paper circle for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Cake Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg
  • Bright red food coloring
  • Vanilla extract
  • White vinegar

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Don’t overmix – you want a smooth, relaxed batter.

Step 5: Bake Red Velvet Layer

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Lower Oven Temperature

Dial down the oven to a gentle 325F (160C).

Step 7: Craft Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Add sugar and blend until creamy.

Mix in:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Eggs (one at a time)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Strawberry puree

Step 8: Layer the Cheesecake

Carefully spoon the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled red velvet cake.

Step 9: Bake Cheesecake

Place the pan on a baking sheet.

Bake for 60-70 minutes until the center sets and edges look slightly puffy.

Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest for an hour.

Step 10: Chill Out

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 11: Prepare Strawberry Topping

Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and a splash of lemon juice.

Let them sit and get juicy for 10 minutes.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cheesecake from the pan.

Crown it with the macerated strawberries and slice into this decadent dessert.

Pro Tips for Rich Cheesecake

  • Add a water bath during baking to create a moist environment and reduce surface cracking on the cheesecake.
  • Replace artificial food coloring with beetroot powder for a vibrant red hue and added nutritional benefits.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat at low speed to avoid incorporating excess air and preventing potential cracks.
  • Adjust sugar quantities in both cake and cheesecake layers to suit personal taste preferences or dietary requirements.
  • Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut to achieve clean, precise cheesecake slices.

Fun Cheesecake Variations

  • Gluten-Free Velvet Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Berry Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, coconut cream for heavy cream, and plant-based milk for buttermilk.
  • Low-Carb Strawberry Dream: Swap regular sugar with erythritol or stevia. Use almond flour instead of wheat flour. Replace strawberries with lower-carb berries like raspberries.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Berry Cake: Use coconut cream cheese alternative. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt for a creamy texture.

Serve Cheesecake in Style

  • Sweet Date Night Delight: Slice this decadent cheesecake for a romantic dessert experience perfect for couples sharing a special evening.
  • Berry Brunch Showstopper: Serve alongside mimosas and fresh fruit for an elegant weekend gathering that will impress friends and family.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair with delicate tea selections like Earl Grey or chamomile for a sophisticated dessert moment that feels luxurious and indulgent.
  • Celebratory Slice: Bring this stunning red velvet strawberry cheesecake to potlucks, birthdays, or special occasions where you want to create a memorable dessert centerpiece.

Storing Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake in its springform pan or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Slice the cheesecake into individual portions or keep whole. Wrap each slice or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the packaging to track storage time.
  • Transfer the frozen cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow method prevents moisture loss and maintains texture. Remove wrapping before serving to prevent condensation.

FAQs

  • What gives red velvet cake its distinctive color?

The signature red color comes from food coloring, traditionally combined with cocoa powder, which helps enhance the vibrant red hue in the cake.

  • Why is vinegar added to the red velvet cake batter?

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda, creating a chemical reaction that helps the cake become light, fluffy, and tender by producing small air bubbles in the batter.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Bake the cheesecake in a water bath, cool it gradually in the oven with the door slightly open, and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking.

Print
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Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luxurious red velvet strawberry cheesecake blends classic Southern charm with creamy indulgence. Silky layers of crimson cake and luscious cream cheese create a dessert that delights senses and promises pure culinary bliss for sweet enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Cheesecake and Topping Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by greasing and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  7. Lower the oven temperature to 325F (160C).
  8. Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing thoroughly.
  9. Incorporate sour cream and heavy cream, blending until silky. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  10. Fold in vanilla extract and strawberry puree until evenly distributed.
  11. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled red velvet cake layer in the springform pan.
  12. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes until the center is set and edges are slightly puffed.
  13. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
  14. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  15. Prepare the strawberry topping by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
  16. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and garnish with the macerated strawberries before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent cake from cracking by avoiding overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients for a smooth, even texture.
  • Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar if unavailable, ensuring the same tangy flavor and tender crumb.
  • Create a gluten-free version by replacing all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake’s rich red color and soft consistency.
  • Add extra flavor depth by incorporating a splash of coffee or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes in the red velvet cake layer.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 421 kcal
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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