Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert for Special Occasions
This stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake combines the rich flavors of classic red velvet with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The striking red and white layers make it a showstopper dessert for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.
The velvety texture of the cheesecake filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp red velvet crust, while the fresh strawberry topping adds a burst of fruity freshness. This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and elegant presentation. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or a red velvet lover, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds in one unforgettable dessert experience.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Rich cream cheese meets cocoa-infused red velvet with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Texture: Creamy cheesecake filling over a tender red velvet crust with juicy strawberry topping
- Aroma: Buttery vanilla notes with subtle cocoa and fresh berry fragrance
- Visual Appeal: Striking red and white layers crowned with ruby-red strawberries
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic baking skills but achievable with careful attention
- Special Equipment: 9-inch springform pan, stand mixer or electric hand mixer
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is intermediate-level due to the layered preparation and baking techniques required, but clear instructions make it accessible to motivated beginners.
- Category: Dessert – perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or indulgent weekend treats.
- Cuisine: American fusion combining Southern red velvet traditions with New York-style cheesecake.
- Cost: Mid-range ingredients with cream cheese being the most significant expense, but yields 12 generous servings.
- Season: Ideal for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but delicious year-round.
- Occasion: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or as an impressive dinner party finale.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
The combination of flavors in this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake creates a symphony of taste sensations. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the red velvet base, while the fresh strawberries add a bright, fruity note that cuts through the richness. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures—from the slightly crisp crust to the velvety smooth filling and juicy berry topping.
Beyond its incredible taste, this dessert is surprisingly versatile. The make-ahead nature of cheesecakes means you can prepare it the day before your event, allowing the flavors to develop fully while reducing last-minute stress. The beautiful presentation requires minimal effort for maximum visual impact—the natural beauty of the layered colors and fresh fruit garnish makes it look professionally made.
Nutritionally, while certainly an indulgent treat, this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake offers some redeeming qualities. Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while the protein in cream cheese helps balance the carbohydrate content. Using quality ingredients ensures you’re enjoying real food rather than artificial flavors or preservatives found in store-bought versions.
For entertaining, this dessert consistently earns rave reviews and becomes a conversation piece. The dramatic presentation and familiar yet elevated flavors make it appealing to a wide range of palates. It’s substantial enough to serve as the grand finale to a special meal but not so heavy that guests feel uncomfortable afterward.
Cost-wise, while premium cream cheese and fresh berries can add up, this recipe yields 12 generous portions—making it more economical per serving than individual desserts from a bakery. The ingredients are readily available at most supermarkets, and the recipe allows for some flexibility with seasonal fruit substitutions if needed.
The Recipe
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 90 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Food processor (for crust)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Crust:
- 2 cups red velvet cake crumbs (from about 3 cups cake cubes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse red velvet cake cubes into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Prepare filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until creamy and lump-free.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Wrap pan bottom in aluminum foil and place in a water bath. Bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
- Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- Make topping: Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries release juices, then stir in cornstarch mixture. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Cool completely before spreading over chilled cheesecake.
Recipe Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- If you don’t have leftover red velvet cake, you can use 2 cups graham cracker crumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and red food coloring for the crust.
- The water bath prevents cracks—make sure the foil wrapping is secure to prevent water leakage.
- For cleaner slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
