Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake (Printer-Friendly)

Layered dessert combining moist red velvet and creamy strawberry cheesecake with fresh strawberries on top.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Red Velvet Cake Base

01 - 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
07 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
08 - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
09 - 1 large egg, room temperature
10 - 2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

→ Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

13 - 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
14 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream
16 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
17 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree

→ Strawberry Topping

20 - 1 1/2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
21 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
22 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Steps to Make This:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides for easy removal.
02 - Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl for a smooth, lump-free base.
03 - Whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, egg, red gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar in a separate bowl until fully combined.
04 - Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until blended. Avoid overmixing. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
05 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before continuing.
06 - Reduce oven heat to 325°F to prepare for the cheesecake layer.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and mix well, then incorporate sour cream and heavy cream. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each, then stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree until uniform.
08 - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled red velvet cake base and smooth the top carefully to maintain layer integrity.
09 - Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 60 to 70 minutes until edges are lightly puffed and the center is just set.
10 - Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to rest inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
11 - Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop flavor and improve slicing.
12 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until juices form and berries appear glossy.
13 - Remove the chilled layered dessert from the pan and top with the macerated strawberries. Slice and serve chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Using room temperature ingredients and gradual cooling prevents cracks and ensures silky texture.
02 - Chilling overnight enhances flavors and improves sliceability.
03 - A water bath may be used to help prevent cracking during baking.