If you love the rich taste of red velvet and the creamy texture of cheesecake, this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for you. This indulgent treat combines a velvety red crust, a smooth and luscious cheesecake filling, and a sweet, tangy strawberry topping for a show-stopping dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something decadent, this homemade cheesecake is sure to impress. With its vibrant red hue and fresh berry garnish, it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Get ready to create a rich, creamy, and irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for more!
A Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a statement piece that turns any occasion into a memorable celebration. Its vibrant red color, creamy texture, and luscious strawberry topping make it a perfect choice for romantic evenings, festive gatherings, and milestone celebrations.
Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingrédients
For the Red Velvet Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder preferably Dutch-processed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp red food coloring
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz 680g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, and red food coloring until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour, ensuring the batter is smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a water bath (a roasting pan filled with hot water).
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Spread the cooled strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
- Slice and serve, optionally garnishing with whipped cream or white chocolate shavings.
- Enjoy your Homemade Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake!
Notes
- For a brighter red crust, add a few extra drops of food coloring.
- Let the cheesecake fully chill before slicing for clean, even cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Expert Tips for a Smooth and Creamy Cheesecake
Achieving a perfectly smooth, creamy, and luscious cheesecake requires more than just following a recipe—it’s about mastering the right techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake turns out flawless every time.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
One of the most common mistakes in cheesecake-making is using cold ingredients. Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps in the batter and results in a smooth, silky texture.
2. Avoid Overmixing the Batter
While it’s essential to fully incorporate all ingredients, overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter. Excess air can cause the cheesecake to rise rapidly in the oven and then collapse once it cools, leading to cracks. Mix just until combined for the best results.
3. Use a Water Bath for Even Baking
Baking your cheesecake in a water bath (bain-marie) helps regulate the oven temperature, providing gentle and even heat distribution. This prevents the cheesecake from drying out or developing unsightly cracks.
- Wrap the springform pan in two layers of aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill it with hot water about halfway up the sides.
4. Don’t Overbake the Cheesecake
A cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. Overbaking can result in a dense, dry texture instead of the creamy consistency you want.
5. Cool Gradually to Prevent Cracks
Sudden temperature changes can cause your cheesecake to crack. Follow these cooling steps:
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for about an hour.
- Transfer it to a cooling rack and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture and flavor.
6. Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices
When slicing your cheesecake, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and make a clean cut. Repeat this step for each slice to achieve a neat and professional presentation.
By following these expert tips, you’ll create a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake that’s perfect for any occasion!
Serving and Storing Your Cheesecake
A Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a showstopping dessert, but serving it correctly enhances both its presentation and flavor. Proper storage is also essential to maintain its rich, creamy texture for days. Here’s how to serve and store your cheesecake like a pro.
Serving Your Cheesecake
1. Let It Chill Properly
Cheesecake needs time to set, so it’s crucial to chill it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight before serving. This allows the layers to firm up, making slicing easier and improving the overall texture.
2. Bring to the Right Temperature
For the best flavor, take the cheesecake out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully without becoming too soft.
3. Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices
A neat slice makes all the difference in presentation. Follow these steps for a flawless cut:
- Dip a sharp knife in hot water, then wipe it dry with a clean towel.
- Make a clean slice through the cheesecake.
- Wipe the knife and repeat the process for each cut.
4. Garnish for Extra Elegance
Take your cheesecake to the next level with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce. Garnishes not only add flavor but also create a visually stunning dessert.
Storing Your Cheesecake
1. Refrigerating Your Cheesecake
Cheesecake must be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy consistency. Follow these steps:
- Cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
- If storing slices individually, place them in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
- Shelf life: Cheesecake stays fresh in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
2. Freezing Your Cheesecake for Longer Storage
If you need to store your cheesecake for a longer period, freezing is a great option:
- Wrap the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn.
- If freezing slices, wrap each one separately, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Shelf life: Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its creamy texture.
3. Thawing Your Cheesecake
When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as it can lead to condensation, making the cake soggy.
Bonus Tip: Make-Ahead Cheesecake
Since cheesecake requires chilling time, it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions. Prepare it 1 to 2 days in advance, store it properly, and add fresh garnishes just before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that every slice of your Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is just as delicious and visually stunning as when it was first made!
Do you like another tip of you can visit Lemon Cheesecake