Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Yum

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a dreamy combination of rich, velvety cheesecake and bright, juicy strawberries. The smooth and slightly tangy cream cheese filling, with its iconic red velvet hue, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the lightness of homemade whipped cream. It’s a dessert that looks impressive, tastes divine, and is perfect for any special occasion or simply when you’re craving something indulgent!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The red velvet cheesecake filling with fresh strawberry topping is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
• Decadent and Delicious: Rich cream cheese, cocoa, and graham cracker crust all come together in a dessert that’s truly indulgent.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just a dinner party, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
• Versatile Topping: The macerated strawberries are juicy and sweet, but you could easily swap them out for other fruit toppings like raspberries or blueberries.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: A classic and buttery base that complements the rich cheesecake.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crumbs together for a firm crust.
• ¼ cup sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness to the graham cracker base.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy star of the show. Be sure it’s softened to avoid lumps in your batter.
• 1 cup sugar: For that perfect level of sweetness.
• 3 large eggs: These provide structure and give the cheesecake a smooth texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Gives a subtle chocolatey flavor that’s key to red velvet.
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring: For that signature red velvet color.

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the cheesecake.
• ½ cup sugar: Helps the strawberries release their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Light and airy, the perfect finishing touch to the rich cheesecake.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the flavors in the cheesecake and adds a hint of vanilla.

Step-by-Step Directions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it forms an even layer. This will be the crunchy base for your cheesecake. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Tip: Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. It’s important to get rid of any lumps to ensure a velvety texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract, flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, mixing until everything is well combined. You should have a silky, red-tinted batter that’s ready to be poured over your crust.

Tip: Don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the red velvet cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The residual heat will continue to cook the center as it cools, giving you a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.

Tip: If you’re worried about cracks, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.

Step 4: Cool and Set

Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. After that, transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight if possible. This step is crucial to allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Tip: Patience is key! Resist the urge to cut into the cheesecake before it’s fully chilled, or it won’t have that dense, creamy texture.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping

While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to macerate, releasing their juices and forming a sweet, syrupy topping that will beautifully complement the cheesecake.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker topping, you can simmer the strawberries with a little cornstarch on the stove until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This light, fluffy whipped cream will add a lovely contrast to the dense cheesecake and juicy strawberries.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once the cheesecake is fully set, remove it from the fridge. Spoon the macerated strawberries over the top of the cheesecake, allowing some of the juices to drizzle down the sides. Add dollops of whipped cream around the edges or on top for a beautiful presentation. Now you’re ready to slice and serve your stunning Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake!

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Storage: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
• Customize the Topping: Not a fan of strawberries? Try topping your cheesecake with raspberries, blueberries, or even a chocolate ganache for an extra decadent twist.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The creamy, velvety cheesecake with just a hint of cocoa is balanced perfectly by the tart strawberries and light whipped cream. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this dessert is sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. 🍓🍰

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 10 | Calories: ~450 kcal per serving