Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the joy of strawberry season and the irresistible appeal of red velvet cake into a single showstopper, your dreams are about to come true. Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe that delivers three mind-blowing layers: a rich, moist red velvet cake base, a luxurious blanket of velvety strawberry cheesecake, and a cloudlike strawberry whipped topping. Each forkful is pure celebration—tangy, sweet, and delightfully creamy! This spectacular dessert isn’t just beautiful; it’s surprisingly approachable, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a moment of luxury.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, the secret to this stunner is all in these ingredients. Nothing is complicated—you’ll find every component has a job to do, from the cocoa’s depth in the red velvet to the juicy brightness of real strawberries in the cheesecake and topping. Gather your favorites for the best flavor ever!

• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and essential moisture in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the red velvet cake incredibly tender and soft.
• Large eggs: Bind everything for both structure and that classic cake richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and lifts all the other flavors.
• Red food coloring: That unmistakable, dramatic hue—pick a gel for the most vibrant color!
• Buttermilk: Adds subtle tang and makes the cake super moist—don’t skip this!
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone to hold each delicious layer together.
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened): For depth of flavor and the classic red velvet hint of chocolate.
• Baking soda: Leavens the cake, making it fluffy and soft.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for an extra-tender crumb.
• Pinch of salt: Balances and sharpens all the flavors.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, bringing that signature tangy creaminess.
• Sour cream: Makes the strawberry cheesecake extra smooth and luscious.
• Pureed fresh strawberries: Real strawberries in both the cheesecake and the topping for vibrant flavor and color.
• Flour or cornstarch (optional): Helps stabilize the cheesecake when needed.
• Heavy cream: Whips up light and fluffy for the dreamy topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped topping gently.
• Strawberry jam (optional): Amp up strawberry flavor if your berries need a boost.
• Cream cheese frosting (optional): For those who want a richer, tangier finish instead of strawberry whip.

How to Make Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment. Combine sugar, oil, egg, vanilla, and red food coloring in a large bowl—beat until glossy and smooth. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in another. Mix vinegar into the buttermilk (it’ll get a little bubbly!). Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately to the red batter, making sure not to overmix—just until combined. Pour into your pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You want that toothpick to come out clean. Let it cool in the pan while you move to the next dreamy layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). With a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely creamy and lump-free. Beat in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time (scrape down that bowl!). Add the sour cream and strawberry puree, mixing until perfectly blended. If you want extra stability, sift in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. Gently pour this beautiful pink batter over your cooled red velvet base. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it’s just barely set in the center—don’t worry if there’s a slight wobble, it’ll firm as it cools. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results!).

Step 3: Whip Up the Strawberry Topping or Frosting

Right before serving, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree or jam—this turns your whipped cream into the perfect strawberry cloud! If you’re craving something a bit richer or tangier, opt for a silky cream cheese frosting instead. Either topping option brings the whole dessert together with a sweet, fruity flourish.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish

Remove your chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to your serving plate. Generously dollop or pipe the strawberry whipped topping (or swoop on that cream cheese frosting). Garnish with fresh strawberries or playful sprinkles, and prepare for oohs and aahs at the dessert table!

How to Serve Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference! Scatter the top with halved or sliced fresh strawberries, a few mint leaves for color, or a handful of white chocolate shavings for an extra-decadent touch. If you’re feeling festive, try a generous dusting of powdered sugar or red velvet cake crumbs for that irresistible bakery vibe.

Side Dishes

Since Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is such a striking centerpiece, you’ll want to keep your sides light and refreshing. A bowl of mixed fresh berries, a crisp glass of sparkling rosé, or even a dish of vanilla ice cream goes beautifully with each creamy, tangy bite—perfect for spring or summer gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the standard slice! Try serving mini cheesecake squares in cupcake liners for parties, or build a jaw-dropping trifle by layering cubes of the cheesecake with strawberries and extra whipped cream in a glass dish. Individual parfait glasses or mason jars are also a fun way to personalize servings and show off those gorgeous layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld and intensify, and the texture stays dreamy, so sneaking that secret midnight bite is highly encouraged.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep the magic going even longer, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cheesecake (minus the whipped topping). Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, and add the fresh strawberry whip or frosting before presenting.

Reheating

While Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is best enjoyed chilled, if you happen to prefer a softer bite, just leave your slice at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Warming is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the cheesecake and whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cheesecake layer?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries and blend into a puree, draining off some excess water if very liquid. This way, you still get that bright strawberry flavor any time of year.

Can I make Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe without a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removal easier and shows off the layers, a deep 9-inch round cake pan with a removable bottom works too. Just be sure to line it thoroughly and let the cheesecake set before unmolding.

How do I know when the cheesecake layer is done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly puffed, while the center should still jiggle a bit when shaken. It will solidify further as it cools and chills—don’t worry if it looks underbaked at first!

Can I use non-dairy ingredients in this recipe?

You can experiment with your favorite plant-based cream cheese, yogurt in place of sour cream, and non-dairy buttermilk alternatives. Results may vary, but you can still achieve a delicious vegan-friendly version.

What’s the best way to get clean slices from this cake?

For the neatest presentation, use a large sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices. This keeps the layers defined and guarantees those Instagram-worthy edges!

Final Thoughts

No matter if you’re celebrating a birthday, gathering friends for brunch, or just spoiling yourself a little, Here’s a Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is destined to wow. It’s a joyful, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that brings together the best of cake, cheesecake, and strawberry bliss—don’t hesitate to try it and share the happiness in every slice!