Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup: rich, chocolatey red velvet cake layered with creamy vanilla cheesecake and topped with juicy strawberries. Every bite is smooth, tangy, and sweet with a gorgeous pop of color. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holidays, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration that deserves a truly decadent treat.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake Layer

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg

For the Cheesecake Layer

2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

For the Topping

1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves
Optional: Whipped cream, white chocolate curls, or extra red velvet cake crumbs for garnish

🔄 Substitutions

Buttermilk: Use milk + 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or plant-based butter
Sour cream: Swap with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
Strawberries: Use raspberries or mixed berries for variation
Cream cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version

👨‍🍳 How to Make

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Layer
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, vanilla, and red food coloring
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and beat well
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined
Pour batter into pan and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Cool completely and reduce oven temp to 325°F (163°C)

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream. Mix until just combined
Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled red velvet layer
Bake for 45–55 minutes until center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and let it sit with the door cracked for 1 hour
Chill in the fridge at least 4 hours or overnight

Step 3: Add Strawberry Topping
Warm strawberry jam slightly and stir in sliced strawberries
Spoon over the chilled cheesecake just before serving
Add whipped cream or extra decorations if desired

🍫 Mix-ins & Toppings

Add white chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter
Drizzle with dark chocolate or strawberry sauce
Top with crushed red velvet crumbs or chopped nuts
Layer in thin slices of fresh strawberries for a fruity surprise

✅ Recipe Tips

Make sure cream cheese is at room temp to avoid lumps
Don’t overmix cheesecake batter—it can cause cracks
Use a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the oven rack below to help the cheesecake bake evenly
Cool completely before topping or slicing for clean cuts

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months
Thaw: Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving

🌀 Recipe Variations

Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for bite-sized red velvet strawberry cheesecakes
No-Bake Version: Use red velvet Oreos for a crust and a no-bake cheesecake filling
Chocolate Twist: Add a swirl of chocolate ganache over the cheesecake layer
Heart-Shaped Version: Bake in a heart-shaped springform for Valentine’s Day

❓ FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is even better after chilling overnight. Add strawberries just before serving

Why did my cheesecake crack?
It may have been overbaked or cooled too quickly. It’s still delicious and can be covered with topping!

Can I skip the red food coloring?
Sure! It’ll just be a light cocoa-colored cake—flavor will still be great

Do I need a springform pan?
It’s ideal for easy removal, but you can use a regular 9-inch pan lined with parchment (leave an overhang for lifting)

Beautiful, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that will wow your guests every time. Let me know if you’d like a printable version or Pinterest-ready pin! 🍓❤️🍰