Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, red velvet cake with a creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for special celebrations or a cozy night at home. With its vibrant color and delicious flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a great way to treat yourself and others. The smooth cream cheese layer pairs perfectly with the soft red velvet cake and sweet strawberry topping. This dessert is not only beautiful to look at but also a joy to eat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh strawberries when they are in season!
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a springform pan.
- In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then add in the eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix well.
- Alternately add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, vinegar, and buttermilk into the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Spread the red velvet batter evenly in the greased pan.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth. Pour this cream cheese mixture over the red velvet layer.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Once done, let it cool completely.
- In a small pot, simmer the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until the strawberries are soft. If you prefer a thicker topping, you can stir in cornstarch. Let it cool.
- Once everything is cool, spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake. Now slice, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake chilled. You can add whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. This dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it great for after dinner or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
How to Store Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to a month in the freezer.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not skip the cooling step after baking; this helps the cheesecake set properly.
- Adjust the sugar in the strawberry topping according to your taste and the sweetness of your strawberries.
Variation
You can add a chocolate drizzle on top for a richer dessert. Another variation is to mix in some chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer for an extra treat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the strawberry topping right before serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the topping.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the same texture and taste while making it gluten-free.