Chef Mitchell preparing Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of combining red velvet cake and cheesecake when experimenting in my kitchen for a friend's birthday. After several trials, I perfected this recipe that boasts a rich flavor profile and a stunning appearance. It became a hit among my family and friends, and now I love sharing it with everyone. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake has become a staple at my gatherings, symbolizing love and celebration."

Chef Mitchell has dedicated over a decade to mastering American cuisine, particularly desserts. With a culinary school degree and a passion for baking, he has created over a thousand recipes. His love for sweets shines through in every dish, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake served on a plate

Why This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe Works

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake stands out due to its unique combination of flavors and textures. The vibrant red color not only makes it visually appealing but also adds depth to the taste. The creamy cheesecake filling, paired with the buttery red velvet crust, creates a delightful balance that melts in your mouth. Additionally, the freshness of strawberries enhances the overall experience.

The technique of combining red velvet cake and cheesecake ensures a rich and moist texture. By baking at a low temperature, the cheesecake remains fluffy while preventing cracks. The use of quality ingredients, such as fresh strawberries and high-fat cream cheese, guarantees that every bite is luxurious and satisfying.

💡 Professional Tip

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a creamier filling. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the eggs to prevent a dense texture in your cheesecake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste when served.

If you're looking for alternatives to cream cheese, mascarpone cheese is a great option that provides a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it will slightly alter the taste and texture. Silken tofu is another dairy-free alternative that can work well, especially for vegan diets.

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. It will continue to cook as it cools down. Avoid opening the oven door during the baking process, as this can cause it to crack.

Yes, you can freeze Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Pair your cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat. Fresh berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, complement the flavors beautifully, while a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds an extra indulgent touch.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake will last for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Ensure that it is covered to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

Definitely! Making it in advance not only saves time but also enhances the flavor as it sits. Just remember to refrigerate it properly and add any toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

The best way to reheat Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer it warm, you can place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat as it may change the texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The cheesecake turns out dry.

Solution: Make sure not to overbake the cheesecake. It should be removed from the oven when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Also, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust lacks crunch.

Solution: For a crispier crust, consider baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Ensure that the butter is fully incorporated into the crumbs for even texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The cheesecake is overcooked and cracked.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always monitor the baking time closely and use a water bath for more even heating, which helps avoid cracks by providing moisture during baking.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the cheesecake remains jiggly and uncooked.

Recovery: If you notice the cheesecake is undercooked, return it to the oven while keeping a close watch, and increase the baking time in small increments until it is set.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outer edges are burnt.

Prevention: To avoid burning, ensure your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer. You may also place a baking sheet below the cheesecake to shield it from direct heat.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the cheesecake is too sweet, add a small pinch of salt or a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, try adding more cream cheese to tone down the salty flavor.

Bland: To enhance flavor, consider adding more vanilla extract or a dash of almond extract to enrich the overall taste.

Fresh ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

The key ingredients for this cheesecake are cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and red velvet cake. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious balance of flavors. Cream cheese provides the creamy texture, while strawberries add a refreshing tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for the best results. Opt for fresh strawberries when they are in season, and choose full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. The red velvet cake should be moist and flavorful to create a perfect base for the cheesecake.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing, which helps achieve a smooth filling.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Wash them thoroughly and remove the stems before pureeing. Fresh strawberries will enhance the overall taste of the cheesecake.
  • Red Velvet Cake: Make sure to use a moist red velvet cake that is not too dense. This will ensure a perfect crust that holds together well and complements the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Cooking process for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake involves a few simple steps that lead to a stunning dessert. Start by preparing the crust from red velvet cake crumbs, followed by making the rich cheesecake filling. Baking at a low temperature ensures that the cake sets beautifully without cracking.

To achieve perfect results, be sure to monitor the baking time closely and allow the cheesecake to cool properly before chilling in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavors and allows for a smooth, creamy texture.

Key Technique for Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

The key technique for achieving the perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is baking it in a water bath. This method maintains a consistent temperature and adds moisture, preventing cracks. Additionally, cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps it set more evenly.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetening
  • 1/2 cup strawberry puree
    Freshly made
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    For tartness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed red velvet cake crumbs
    For the crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For binding
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
    Base for the filling
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
    For creaminess
  • 3 large eggs
    For structure
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
    For the filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    In a bowl, mix crushed red velvet cake crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.

  2. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

  3. Make the Filling

    In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla, mixing well.

  4. Add Strawberry Puree

    Stir in the strawberry puree, flour, and cocoa powder until combined.

  5. Pour Filling

    Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan.

  6. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the center is set.

  7. Cool

    Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

  8. Serve

    Top with additional strawberry puree and fresh strawberries before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 5-7 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for later use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cheesecake chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry puree. A dollop of whipped cream on top enhances the dessert's appeal and adds extra creaminess.

Recipe Variations

Try incorporating different flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling. For a berry twist, mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries, or create a layered effect by alternating cheesecake and cake layers.