Delicious Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – A Decadent Dessert Dream Come True

🎉 Introduction

Craving a showstopping dessert that combines the rich cocoa notes of classic red velvet with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake and the sweet burst of strawberries? Look no further than this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe. This layered beauty is where Southern charm meets fruity elegance—perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, or any time you’re celebrating something (or someone) special.

With its vibrant red hue, velvety texture, strawberry preserve swirl, and luscious cream cheese layer, this cake is not just dessert—it’s an experience. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off!

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Springform pan (optional if doing layered cheesecake-style)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling racks
• Knife and offset spatula for frosting

🛒 Ingredients

🍓 Fruits & Fresh

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves (for filling and swirl)

🥣 Dry & Pantry

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

🧈 Dairy

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temp
• 1 whipped cream (for topping)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

🥄 Flavorings

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Directions

🔻 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 1 1/4 cups flour
   • 1/2 tsp baking powder
   • 1/4 tsp baking soda
   • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
   • 1/4 tsp salt
3. In a large bowl, mix:
   • 1 1/2 cups sugar
   • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
   • 2 eggs
   • 1 tbsp red food coloring
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 1/2 tsp white vinegar
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the buttermilk until fully combined.

🔻 Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

• Divide the batter evenly between pans.
• Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool completely on wire racks.

🔻 Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat together:
   • 16 oz cream cheese
   • 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
   • 1 tsp vanilla
   • 1 egg
2. Pour into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan or use one of the cake pans (if oven-safe).
3. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until set.
4. Let chill completely before assembling the cake.

🔻 Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one red velvet cake layer on a cake plate.
2. Spread a layer of cheesecake filling, then a few spoonfuls of strawberry preserves, and top with chopped strawberries.
3. Add the second red velvet cake layer on top.
4. Frost with whipped cream or a strawberry buttercream if desired.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry preserves.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes total
• Chill Time: 1–2 hours
• Total Time: ~2.5 hours

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating (optional):

• Best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating needed.

🥄 Variations

• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Add a thin layer on top for drama and richness.
• Mini Versions: Bake in cupcake tins with mini cheesecake centers.
• Strawberry Buttercream: Replace whipped cream with homemade strawberry-flavored frosting.
• Red Velvet Blondie Base: Use red velvet cookie dough for a chewier texture.
• Extra Cheesecake Layer: Stack with an extra thick cheesecake layer in the middle.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before using.

2. Do I have to use red food coloring?
No, but it’s traditional for red velvet. Beet powder is a natural alternative.

3. Can I skip the cheesecake layer?
You can, but it adds creaminess. Try replacing it with whipped cream cheese frosting instead.

4. How do I prevent soggy layers?
Make sure the strawberries are dry and the cheesecake layer is cooled fully before assembling.

5. Can I use a box mix for the cake?
Yes, a red velvet cake mix will work if you’re short on time!

6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the day before and refrigerate overnight for best flavor.

7. What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest texture.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix in place of flour.

9. What frosting pairs best with this?
Whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or strawberry buttercream all work beautifully.

10. Can I use jam instead of preserves?
Yes—just ensure it’s thick enough to not run during assembly.

🏁 Conclusion

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven. Rich, tangy, sweet, and stunning to serve, it’s the kind of cake that earns gasps and second servings. From the luxurious cream cheese filling to the fresh strawberry surprise, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

So whether it’s a special occasion or a “just because” baking day, give yourself the joy of making this unforgettable cake.

Adam

Delicious Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – A Decadent Dessert Dream Come True

Craving a showstopping dessert that combines the rich cocoa notes of classic red velvet with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake and the sweet burst of strawberries? Look no further than this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe. This layered beauty is where Southern charm meets fruity elegance—perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, or any time you’re celebrating something (or someone) special. With its vibrant red hue, velvety texture, strawberry preserve swirl, and luscious cream cheese layer, this cake is not just dessert—it’s an experience. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull it off!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

chill time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🍓 Fruits & Fresh

• 1 cup fresh strawberries chopped
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves for filling and swirl

🥣 Dry & Pantry

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

🧈 Dairy

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup buttermilk room temp
• 1 whipped cream for topping
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar

🥄 Flavorings

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Springform pan (optional if doing layered cheesecake-style)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling racks
• Knife and offset spatula for frosting

Method

 

🔻 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
3. 1 1/4 cups flour
4. 1/2 tsp baking powder
5. 1/4 tsp baking soda
6. 1 tbsp cocoa powder
7. 1/4 tsp salt
8. In a large bowl, mix:
9. 1 1/2 cups sugar
10. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11. 2 eggs
12. 1 tbsp red food coloring
13. 1 tsp vanilla extract
14. 1/2 tsp white vinegar
15. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the buttermilk until fully combined.

🔻 Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Divide the batter evenly between pans.
2. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Let cool completely on wire racks.

🔻 Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

1. In a bowl, beat together:
2. 16 oz cream cheese
3. 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
4. 1 tsp vanilla
5. 1 egg
6. Pour into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan or use one of the cake pans (if oven-safe).
7. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until set.
8. Let chill completely before assembling the cake.

🔻 Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one red velvet cake layer on a cake plate.
2. Spread a layer of cheesecake filling, then a few spoonfuls of strawberry preserves, and top with chopped strawberries.
3. Add the second red velvet cake layer on top.
4. Frost with whipped cream or a strawberry buttercream if desired.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry preserves.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:

Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating (optional):

Best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating needed.

🥄 Variations
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Add a thin layer on top for drama and richness.

Mini Versions: Bake in cupcake tins with mini cheesecake centers.

Strawberry Buttercream: Replace whipped cream with homemade strawberry-flavored frosting.

Red Velvet Blondie Base: Use red velvet cookie dough for a chewier texture.

Extra Cheesecake Layer: Stack with an extra thick cheesecake layer in the middle.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw and drain well before using.

2. Do I have to use red food coloring?
No, but it’s traditional for red velvet. Beet powder is a natural alternative.

3. Can I skip the cheesecake layer?
You can, but it adds creaminess. Try replacing it with whipped cream cheese frosting instead.

4. How do I prevent soggy layers?
Make sure the strawberries are dry and the cheesecake layer is cooled fully before assembling.

5. Can I use a box mix for the cake?
Yes, a red velvet cake mix will work if you’re short on time!

6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the day before and refrigerate overnight for best flavor.

7. What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest texture.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix in place of flour.

9. What frosting pairs best with this?
Whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or strawberry buttercream all work beautifully.

10. Can I use jam instead of preserves?
Yes—just ensure it’s thick enough to not run during assembly.

🏁 Conclusion
This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven. Rich, tangy, sweet, and stunning to serve, it’s the kind of cake that earns gasps and second servings. From the luxurious cream cheese filling to the fresh strawberry surprise, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

So whether it’s a special occasion or a “just because” baking day, give yourself the joy of making this unforgettable cake.