Stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe That Wows Guests

Decadent red velvet strawberry cheesecake brings a touch of luxurious indulgence to any dessert table.

Soft, velvety layers of crimson cake blend seamlessly with rich, creamy cheesecake filling.

Ripe, juicy strawberries add a burst of fresh sweetness that cuts through the dense, luscious texture.

The vibrant red hue promises a show-stopping centerpiece that will leave guests utterly impressed.

Each forkful promises a delightful dance of flavors and textures that melt in your mouth.

Sophisticated yet simple, this dessert delivers pure culinary magic.

Prepare to treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

For Cake Layer:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone providing tender crumb and classic cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create soft, moist cake with golden edges.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures light, airy rise and helps activate other ingredients.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate undertones and deep red velvet color.
For Liquid Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake incredibly moist and prevents dryness.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, tender crumb, and helps activate baking soda.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the dessert.
  • White Vinegar: Activates baking soda and creates soft, tender texture.
For Color and Finishing:
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates iconic vibrant red velvet signature color.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake release and prevents sticking.

Tools to Build and Swirl This Dreamy Dessert

  • Springform pan: Essential for creating and removing layered cheesecake without breaking.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment paper: Helps line pan and prevents sticking.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cake layer to cool evenly after initial baking.
  • Spatula: Helpful for gently folding ingredients and transferring batter.
  • Electric mixer (optional): Can be used for more consistent mixing, but not mandatory.

How to Make a Stunning Red Velvet Cheesecake

  • Create Cake Base

Whip up a velvety red cake foundation that’ll make your taste buds dance. Mix dry and wet ingredients seamlessly, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture light and dreamy. Pour batter into a prepared pan, aiming for a soft, slightly underbaked result that’ll meld perfectly with the upcoming cheesecake layer.

  • Prepare Strawberry Infusion

Crush fresh strawberries into a vibrant puree that will electrify your dessert with natural sweetness. Strain to remove seeds, ensuring a silky smooth flavor profile that’ll weave through the creamy cheesecake layers.

  • Craft Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until luxuriously smooth, incorporating eggs and strawberry essence with gentle precision. The key is creating a cloudlike texture that whispers indulgence in every single bite.

  • Layer and Bake

Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the partially baked red velvet base. Nestle the pan into a water bath to ensure even, gentle cooking that prevents cracking and maintains a supremely rich consistency.

  • Cool and Garnish

Allow the cheesecake to rest and settle, developing deep flavors. Once completely cooled, crown your masterpiece with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning finale.

Cheesecake Tips for Texture and Balance

  • Red Velvet Rescue Tips: Learn how to prevent a dry cake by checking the cake's moisture with a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the red velvet layer up to 2 days in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lactose-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the cake and maintain its structure.
  • Strawberry Swap Trick: During off-season, substitute fresh strawberries with frozen berries or create a compote by cooking down frozen strawberries with a little sugar to intensify the fruity flavor.

Serving This Valentine-Worthy Dessert

  • Romantic Dessert Date Night: Create an intimate evening by serving this cheesecake with two forks, sharing each delectable bite while enjoying soft candlelight and romantic background music.
  • Afternoon Tea Party Elegance: Present slices on delicate china plates alongside fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a selection of herbal teas for an elegant gathering with friends.
  • Celebration Showstopper: Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberry halves, and edible gold leaf to transform this dessert into a stunning centerpiece for birthdays or anniversary celebrations.
  • Brunch Indulgence: Pair with a chilled mimosa or sparkling rosé, creating a luxurious weekend brunch experience that feels both decadent and sophisticated.

Best Way to Keep It and Set

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cheesecake covered in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preventing moisture and preserving its delicate texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for 1-2 months without losing flavor or quality.
  • Serving Temperature Trick: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy consistency and bringing out the rich flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare the red velvet cake layer and cheesecake filling one day in advance, refrigerating separately to streamline your baking process and reduce day-of stress.
Print
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Stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich red velvet strawberry cheesecake blends Southern charm with creamy indulgence. Layers of crimson cake and tangy cream cheese create a dessert that delights senses and satisfies sweet cravings completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) strawberry jam or preserves
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Meticulously combine cocoa-enriched dry ingredients with liquid components, whisking until a smooth, crimson batter forms with uniform color and texture.
  2. Pan Setup: Carefully pour the vibrant batter into a lined springform pan, ensuring an even, leveled surface that will provide a stable foundation for the cheesecake.
  3. Initial Baking: Position the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F, partially baking the red velvet layer for approximately 15-18 minutes until it sets but remains tender, allowing residual heat to complete the cooking process.
  4. Cooling Stage: Remove the ruby-hued base from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature, creating a stable platform for the upcoming cream cheese layer.
  5. Cheesecake Layer Preparation: Gently blend cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy, avoiding over-mixing to prevent potential air bubbles or cracks.
  6. Layer Assembly: Delicately spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled red velvet base, using a spatula to ensure an even, seamless distribution that maintains the cake’s structural integrity.
  7. Final Baking: Return the assembled cheesecake to the oven at 325°F, baking for 45-50 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but set, indicating perfect doneness.
  8. Chilling and Garnishing: Refrigerate the cheesecake for minimum 4 hours, then adorn with fresh strawberry slices and optional whipped cream before serving.

Notes

  • Cocoa Precision: Measure cocoa powder accurately to maintain the signature red velvet color and prevent a bitter taste.
  • Moisture Management: Ensure the red velvet base is completely cooled and dry to prevent soggy layers in the final cheesecake.
  • Baking Technique: Use partial baking method to create a stable base that won’t crack or separate from the cheesecake layer.
  • Color Control: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red hue without altering the cake’s delicate texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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