Description
This Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate showstopper—a velvety red velvet cake layer, topped with rich, creamy cheesecake, and finished with fresh strawberries and a luscious strawberry glaze. It’s the perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for stability)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, until slightly set but not fully baked (it will finish baking with the cheesecake).
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the partially baked red velvet cake.
- Place the springform pan in a water bath (wrap the bottom with foil and place in a roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water).
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
4. Make the Strawberry Topping:
- In a saucepan, heat strawberry jam, lemon juice, and water over low heat until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and toss with sliced strawberries.
5. Assemble & Serve:
- Remove the cheesecake from the pan and place on a serving platter.
- Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake.
- Slice and enjoy this heavenly dessert!
Notes
- No buttermilk? Use ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
- For a thicker cheesecake layer, use 24 oz cream cheese (3 blocks).
- Make ahead: Cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- No water bath? Place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to prevent cracks.