If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert to dazzle your guests or treat yourself, the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect choice. Combining the rich, velvety texture of classic red velvet cake with the luscious creaminess of strawberry-infused cheesecake, this dessert brings together the best of both worlds in every bite. Its vibrant colors, balanced sweetness, and smooth consistency make it an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something indulgent, the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake wins every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Flavor Harmony: The blend of tangy strawberries with smooth cream cheese and cocoa-spiced red velvet creates a perfectly balanced taste sensation.
Stunning Visual Appeal: Its vibrant red crumb and fresh strawberry layers make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Rich Yet Light Texture: Creamy cheesecake and moist cake combine for a melt-in-your-mouth experience without feeling too heavy.
Versatility: Whether for a birthday, holiday, or a weekend treat, this dessert suits every occasion.
Impresses All Palates: Strawberry sweetness and red velvet charm captivate kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create a rich, creamy delight. Each ingredient plays a key role in providing the perfect texture, flavor, or color to the final dessert.

Cream Cheese: Provides the essential creamy base with tangy depth.
Strawberries: Fresh or pureed strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Red Velvet Cake Mix or Ingredients: Cocoa powder, red food coloring, and cake essentials create the iconic red velvet layers.
Sugar: Balances the tartness of strawberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
Eggs: Bind the cheesecake and cake layers together for structure and smoothness.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake components.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with subtle warmth.
Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: Keeps the cheesecake tender and adds to its luscious mouthfeel.

Variations for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Feel free to make this recipe your own! The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake adapts easily to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple twists.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cake mix or substitute with almond flour for the crust.
Vegan Twist: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use plant-based milk alternatives.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a rich chocolate ganache drizzle on top for extra indulgence.
Berry Mix-Up: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a new fruit flavor.
Crunchy Crust: Use crushed graham crackers or pecans for a delightful texture contrast.

Why Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Wins Every Time

How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer

Start by mixing together your red velvet ingredients or cake mix as instructed. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, ensuring a moist and flavorful base.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth and gradually add in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and fresh strawberry puree. This mixture forms the luscious and fruity cheesecake layer that melts beautifully in your mouth.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Layer the cooled red velvet cake with the strawberry cheesecake filling in your pan. Gently smooth out the filling to create an even, elegant look.

Step 4: Bake the Combined Dessert

Bake the assembled cheesecake and red velvet layers together on a water bath to prevent cracking, allowing the layers to unite perfectly while maintaining a tender texture.

Step 5: Cool and Chill Thoroughly

After baking, cool the cheesecake to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step enhances flavor melding and firmness for clean slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smooth batter and even mixing.
Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor impact.
Water Bath Baking: Prevent cracks by baking your cheesecake in a water bath to maintain moisture and temperature.
Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your cheesecake filling to incorporate air without creating bubbles that cause cracks.
Chill Time is Crucial: Allow plenty of cooling time for firm texture and enhanced flavors.

How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Garnishes

Top your cheesecake with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful and inviting presentation that highlights its fruity and creamy layers.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light mixed green salad or fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the cheesecake and create a delightful contrast for your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in clear glass jars to showcase the colorful layers, or add a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Freezing

Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

For the best texture, serve cheesecake chilled. If preferred warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes; avoid microwaving as it can ruin the creamy structure.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in the recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid making the filling too watery.

Is it possible to make the cheesecake without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or commercial egg replacers, though texture might be slightly different.

What kind of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest texture, but you can use reduced-fat versions if desired—just expect a slight change in texture.

Can I bake this cheesecake in a springform pan?

Yes, a springform pan is ideal for easy removal and clean slices, but you can use a regular cake pan if properly greased.

How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Baking in a water bath and avoiding overmixing will help prevent cracks, as well as allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven before removing.

Final Thoughts

The Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is truly a showstopper dessert that combines rich flavors, breathtaking looks, and an incredible texture. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or simply to enjoy at home, it promises to delight your taste buds and impress everyone who tries it. Give this recipe a try and discover why this dessert wins every time.

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Print Recipe

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake combines the moist, cocoa-spiced layers of classic red velvet cake with a rich, creamy strawberry-infused cheesecake filling. Vibrantly colorful and perfectly balanced in flavor, this dessert offers a smooth and light texture, making it ideal for celebrations or indulgent everyday treats.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Cake Layer

1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix or ingredients for red velvet cake (including cocoa powder, red food coloring, eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla extract)
Butter – amount as required by cake mix or recipe
Eggs – number according to cake mix or recipe
Vanilla Extract – as needed

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

16 oz (450g) Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup Fresh Strawberries, pureed
3/4 cup Sugar
3 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Sour Cream

Instructions

Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer: Mix the red velvet cake ingredients or cake mix as per the instructions, including cocoa powder, red food coloring, eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla. Pour the batter evenly into a prepared baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean to ensure a moist and flavorful cake base.
Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberry puree, mixing gently to create a smooth, luscious, and fruity cheesecake layer.
Assemble the Layers: Once the red velvet cake layer has cooled, pour and evenly spread the strawberry cheesecake filling over it, smoothing the surface carefully for an even and elegant appearance.
Bake the Combined Dessert: Place the assembled cake and cheesecake layers in a water bath to prevent cracking and bake until set but still slightly jiggly in the center, allowing the layers to meld while maintaining a tender texture.
Cool and Chill Thoroughly: Remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to firm up the cheesecake and enhance the flavor melding.

Notes

Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smoother batter and consistent mixing.
Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to avoid cracks and maintain moisture.
Mix the cheesecake filling gently to incorporate air without creating bubbles that cause cracks during baking.
Allow ample chilling time for the best texture and flavor.
You can substitute frozen strawberries if thawed and drained well to avoid watery filling.
Eggs can be replaced with unsweetened applesauce or commercial egg replacers if needed.
Use a springform pan for easy removal and neat slices.
For variations, try gluten-free cake mix, vegan cream cheese alternatives, chocolate ganache drizzle, berry substitutions like raspberries or blueberries, or crunchy crusts made from graham crackers or pecans.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Red Velvet, Strawberry Cheesecake, Dessert, Cake, Cheesecake, Gluten Free, Strawberry, Celebration, Baking