Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of red velvet with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries. This layered cake is perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or just a sweet treat at home. With its vibrant color and delightful taste, it is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to wow your friends and family with a stunning cake that tastes as amazing as it looks. The combination of red velvet and cheesecake creates a wonderful balance of flavors, while the strawberry topping adds a fresh and fruity twist. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a dinner party, this dessert will definitely steal the show.
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3⁄4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry slices
Directions:
Prepare the red velvet cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, beat the butter and eggs until smooth. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing until everything is combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Make the strawberry topping: In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, strawberry preserves, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.
Assemble the cake: Place one layer of red velvet cake on a serving plate. Add a layer of cheesecake on top, followed by the second layer of red velvet cake. Top with the strawberry mixture and garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices.
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Slice the cake into servings and enjoy it chilled. You can serve it with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries on the side for an extra touch.
How to Store Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t skip refrigerating the cheesecake layer; chilling helps it set properly.
- If you want a deeper color, you can adjust the amount of red food coloring to your liking.
Variation
For a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate ganache over the top of the cake before serving. You can also try using different fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for the topping instead of strawberries.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake layers and cheesecake ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
Q: Can I use store-bought cake?
A: While homemade is best, you can use store-bought red velvet cake if you’re short on time. Just prepare the cheesecake and strawberry topping.
Q: How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
A: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools in the refrigerator.
