If you love both red velvet cake and strawberry cheesecake, then you’re in for a treat with this indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds. Red velvet strawberry cheesecake is a show-stopping treat that delivers rich, creamy, and fruity flavors in every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, this dessert will surely impress.
This dessert has captured the hearts of many, especially those who appreciate the visually striking deep red hue of the red velvet cake paired with the smooth and luscious strawberry cheesecake filling. The combination of rich flavors and tantalizing textures is what makes this dessert so popular. The velvety cake base and creamy cheesecake filling provide a satisfying contrast, while the strawberry topping adds a burst of sweetness that balances the richness.
The popularity of red velvet as a cake flavor has been around for decades, and it has now made its way into the world of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and versatile. This fusion dessert has become a favorite for those who want something a little more special than a regular cake or cheesecake.
For more on the fascinating history of red velvet cake, check out this Tatyanas Everyday Food article. The origins of red velvet cake can be traced back to the 1920s, when it was served at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. This cake, originally known for its distinct reddish color, quickly became a favorite of the elite and has remained a celebratory dessert ever since. Today, red velvet cake is often seen at weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
The evolution of this dessert has seen it paired with other delicious treats, and one of the most popular combinations is with strawberry cheesecake. By merging these two classics, you get a dessert that is both visually stunning and mouthwateringly delicious. For more on the history of red velvet cake and its origins, refer to the article from Tatyanas Everyday Food.
The Perfect Combination: Red Velvet and Strawberry Cheesecake
Combining red velvet with strawberry cheesecake creates a visually stunning dessert. The creamy texture of cheesecake complements the slightly moist and rich red velvet cake base, making each bite feel like a luxurious experience. But what makes this dessert even more special is the use of fresh strawberries, which bring a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cheesecake filling. The tangy-sweet strawberry topping cuts through the richness of the cake and cheesecake, offering a refreshing contrast.
The allure of this fusion dessert lies not only in the harmonious blending of flavors but also in the visual appeal. The deep red layers of the red velvet cake paired with the pale, creamy cheesecake create an eye-catching contrast. The addition of fresh strawberries on top further enhances the dessert’s aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal centerpiece for any celebration or gathering.
For more detailed instructions on making this dessert, you can check out this Tatyanas Everyday Food guide. The combination of flavors is so irresistible, and once you’ve mastered the technique, you can make it your own by experimenting with different variations.
Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
To recreate this delightful dessert, you will need a few key ingredients for each component. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for the cake, cheesecake filling, mousse layers, and crust:
For the Red Velvet Cake Base:
-
All-purpose flour
-
Granulated sugar
-
Unsweetened cocoa powder
-
Baking powder and baking soda
-
Salt
-
Vegetable oil
-
Buttermilk
-
Eggs
-
Red food coloring
For the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
-
Cream cheese
-
Granulated sugar
-
Mascarpone cheese
-
Eggs
-
Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
-
Gelatin
-
White chocolate
For the Strawberry Mousse and Whipped Cream Layers:
-
Heavy cream
-
Sweetened condensed milk
-
Strawberry extract
-
Gelatin
For the Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust:
-
Chocolate graham crackers
-
Melted butter
For Garnishing:
-
Fresh strawberries
Once you have all of your ingredients, you’re ready to begin crafting your red velvet strawberry cheesecake. Don’t rush the process; this dessert is all about layering flavors and textures for the ultimate indulgence.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Creating this decadent dessert involves several layers, and each one needs to be prepared carefully for the best result. Below are the steps for making the red velvet strawberry cheesecake, from the crust to the final layers.
Preparing the Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Crush the chocolate graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
-
Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
-
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, making sure it’s even and compact. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
Making the Red Velvet Cake Base:
-
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and red food coloring together until smooth.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is fully incorporated.
-
Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool before assembling.
Preparing the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:
-
Blend the cream cheese, mascarpone, sour cream, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
-
Puree the strawberries until you have a smooth sauce, and fold them into the cheesecake filling.
-
Dissolve gelatin according to package instructions and stir into the mixture to help it set. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled red velvet layers and bake for about 45 minutes. Let it cool.
Creating the Strawberry Mousse and Whipped Cream Layers:
-
For the mousse: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add strawberry extract and dissolved gelatin to firm the mousse.
-
For the whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk until it forms soft peaks. Fold in some melted white chocolate for added richness.
-
Layer the mousse and whipped cream on top of the cheesecake filling, spreading evenly.
Assembling the Cake:
-
Once all layers have cooled, start assembling the dessert by layering the red velvet cake, strawberry cheesecake filling, strawberry mousse, and whipped cream.
-
Garnish the top with fresh strawberries to add color and texture.
-
Refrigerate the dessert for 4-6 hours to allow it to set properly before serving.
Variations of Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
While the original recipe is already delicious, here are some fun variations you can try to customize this dessert to your liking:
-
Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake filling.
-
Add chocolate chips or crushed nuts (such as almonds or pecans) to the cheesecake filling for extra texture and flavor.
-
Experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a new flavor profile. You could even create a mixed berry version for an added burst of tartness.
Expert Tips for Perfecting the Dessert
To make sure your red velvet strawberry cheesecake turns out flawless, here are some expert tips:
-
To avoid cracks in the cheesecake layer, make sure to bake it at a low temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) and don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause air bubbles that can lead to cracking as the cheesecake cools.
-
When making the strawberry mousse, ensure that the gelatin is properly dissolved to prevent clumping. You may also want to strain the mousse to remove any undissolved gelatin.
-
If you want a smooth, creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream. These ingredients create a richer filling and enhance the overall flavor.
-
Let the dessert chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours to allow it to set completely before serving. This will ensure that the layers stay intact when sliced.
Nutritional Breakdown
A single serving of red velvet strawberry cheesecake typically contains:
-
Calories: 350-450 (depending on portion size)
-
Fat: 25g
-
Sugar: 30g
-
Protein: 5g
If you’re looking to make the dessert a little lighter, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, sugar substitutes, and light whipped cream to reduce the calorie content while still keeping the rich flavors intact.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This decadent dessert pairs perfectly with a variety of beverages and sides. Here are some suggestions for serving:
-
Pair it with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Port, for a delightful combination of sweetness.
-
For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a hot cup of coffee or iced tea to balance out the richness of the dessert.
-
Perfect for serving at birthday parties, weddings, holiday gatherings, or any other special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the red velvet strawberry cheesecake a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Ensure the oven temperature is consistent and avoid opening the oven door during baking. If you’re concerned about cracks, consider using a water bath while baking the cheesecake layer. This helps maintain moisture and reduces the chance of cracking.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well for the filling. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before blending to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
How should I store leftover cheesecake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Definitely! You can use a traditional graham cracker crust, chocolate cookie crust, or even a nut-based crust for variety. Each option will change the flavor profile, so feel free to get creative!
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a show-stopping red velvet strawberry cheesecake that’s sure to be a hit at any event. Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning fusion of red velvet cake and strawberry cheesecake, layered with luscious mousse and topped with fresh strawberries. Perfect for any special occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen, pureed)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp gelatin
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp strawberry extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
- For the crust, mix crushed chocolate graham crackers with melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- To make the red velvet cake, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Mix wet and dry ingredients and bake for 25 minutes.
- For the cheesecake layer, blend cream cheese, mascarpone, sour cream, and sugar until smooth. Stir in strawberry puree and dissolved gelatin. Pour over the cooled red velvet cake and bake for 45 minutes. Let cool.
- To prepare the mousse, whip heavy cream with condensed milk and strawberry extract. Add dissolved gelatin and melted white chocolate.
- Layer the cheesecake with strawberry mousse and whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and chill for 4-6 hours before serving.
Notes
For a crunchier crust, use Oreo crumbs instead of graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: red velvet cheesecake, strawberry dessert, layered cake, special occasion