There’s something undeniably special about red velvet desserts. The rich, vibrant red color, the hint of cocoa, and that smooth, velvety texture make it a classic favorite for special occasions. Now, imagine combining that with creamy, decadent cheesecake and fresh, juicy strawberries—pure bliss!

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The balance of flavors—slightly tangy cheesecake, soft and moist red velvet, and the natural sweetness of strawberries—creates an irresistible combination. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a cheesecake for the first time, this recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring a flawless and delicious result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Stunning Showstopper – The vibrant red velvet layers with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries make this dessert visually breathtaking.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – This cake is ideal for holidays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for something luxurious.
• Rich and Creamy – The combination of soft cake, silky cheesecake, and sweet berries is simply irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Cheesecakes need time to set, so this is a great dessert to prepare ahead of time, reducing last-minute stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• Additional red velvet cake crumbs (optional)

How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another large bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Place one red velvet cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Gently remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on top of the cake layer.
3. Add the second red velvet cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
4. Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing it evenly around the sides and top.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of red velvet cake crumbs for a beautiful finish.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the Cheesecake Properly – Let the cheesecake cool completely in the fridge before assembling the cake. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
• Use Gel Food Coloring – If you want a more vibrant red hue, gel food coloring works better than liquid.
• Level the Cake Layers – If your cake layers dome on top, trim them with a serrated knife for a more even and stable cake.
• Refrigerate Before Serving – Let the fully assembled cake chill for at least an hour before slicing for the best texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Cheesecake Layer Tips – Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter with no lumps. Over-mixing can cause cracks, so mix just until combined.
• Red Velvet Cake Consistency – The batter for red velvet cake is thinner than traditional cake batters, so don’t worry if it seems more liquid than expected. This is normal!
• Chilling Time is Crucial – For the best texture and easiest assembly, allow the cheesecake layer to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
• For Neater Slices – Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut for clean and beautiful slices.
• Strawberry Garnish Ideas – You can arrange fresh strawberry slices in a circular pattern, place whole strawberries on top, or even drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate for extra elegance.
• Want Extra Flavor? – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake batter for a slight citrusy contrast to the red velvet cake.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer

For longer storage, freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Yes! The cheesecake layer needs to chill, so you can make it a day ahead. The whole cake can also be assembled a day before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Cake Mix?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a red velvet cake mix will work fine. Just make sure to prepare the cheesecake layer from scratch for the best flavor.

What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, you might also enjoy:

• Tropical Paradise Mango Cheesecake: A Slice of Sunshine
• Elegant White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake: A Decadent Delight
• Strawberry Whipped Cream Cake: A Timeless Dessert for Every Occasion

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a slice of indulgence. With its moist red velvet cake, rich cheesecake layer, and fresh strawberries, it’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, with all the helpful tips, even beginners can confidently bake this masterpiece.

Go ahead and give it a try—you deserve a little slice of heaven! Happy baking!

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