Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent and visually stunning dessert that brings together the rich flavors of a classic cheesecake with the vibrant red hue and smooth texture of red velvet. The combination of a chocolate sandwich cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries creates a truly indulgent treat. This cheesecake is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary. The red velvet cake flavor adds a festive touch, while the strawberries give a burst of freshness and sweetness.

This easy-to-make cheesecake is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavor and beautiful appearance. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or a special event, this dessert will undoubtedly be the star of the show. With a buttery cookie crust, creamy filling, and a touch of red food coloring, Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Read on to learn how to make this incredible dessert at home and elevate your baking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Beautiful Presentation

The deep red hue of the cheesecake contrasts beautifully with the fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

2. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk creates a perfectly smooth and creamy cheesecake filling that is both indulgent and satisfying.

3. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The slight tang from the sour cream and buttermilk complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the rich, chocolatey crust, offering a balanced and flavorful dessert.

4. Festive and Fun

This cheesecake is the perfect dessert for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any celebration where a red velvet dessert would add a festive touch.

5. Easy to Prepare Ahead of Time

This cheesecake can be made the day before, giving you time to relax and enjoy your event while the dessert chills and sets in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
Melted butter
Cream cheese (softened)
Sugar
Eggs
Sour cream
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
All-purpose flour
Chopped strawberries

Variations

Add chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey twist, fold in some mini chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking.
Use a different fruit: Swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
Nutty crust: Add crushed nuts such as almonds or walnuts to the cookie crust for added texture and flavor.
Vegan version: Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use flax eggs or chia eggs in place of the eggs for a vegan version of this cheesecake.
Lemon zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the red velvet and strawberries.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a firm crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Add Sour Cream and Buttermilk

Stir in the sour cream, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the red food coloring and flour, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake batter without mashing them.

Step 6: Pour the Batter

Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter, ensuring it’s even and level.

Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set. The edges should be firm, but the center will still jiggle slightly when you shake the pan.

Step 8: Cool and Refrigerate

Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving to ensure it sets properly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This will help ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.
Don’t overmix the batter: When adding the flour and red food coloring, stir gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cheesecake.
Prevent cracks: To prevent cracking on top, bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to keep water from seeping in, and place the pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.
Check for doneness: The cheesecake should be set at the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when done. It will firm up as it cools.
Serve chilled: This cheesecake is best served chilled, so allow it to cool and set in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

How to Serve

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake can be served as is, or you can add extra garnishes to elevate the presentation:

Top with fresh strawberry slices or a few whole strawberries for a pop of color.
Drizzle with a bit of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Serve with whipped cream on the side for a creamy, light topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesecake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it is well covered to prevent it from absorbing any other flavors in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it a little less chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought red velvet cake mix for this recipe?

While it’s possible, using a homemade cheesecake batter will give you the best texture and flavor. The red food coloring is key to achieving the right color.

2. How do I avoid cracks in my cheesecake?

To avoid cracks, make sure the cheesecake is not overbaked and cool it slowly. A water bath can also help create a more even bake.

3. Can I make this cheesecake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk, but the tanginess will be slightly reduced.

4. Can I use a different crust?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate sandwich cookie crust with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even a nut-based crust for a different flavor.

5. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

6. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the crust gluten-free by using gluten-free cookies or a nut-based crust, and check that your flour is gluten-free if you’re making any substitutions.

7. How long does this cheesecake need to set in the fridge?

Allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferable for the best texture.

8. Can I add more fruit to the cheesecake?

Yes, feel free to add more strawberries or a combination of berries for a mixed-fruit version of this cheesecake.

9. Is this recipe easy to double for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or adjust the baking time accordingly.

10. Can I decorate the cheesecake with toppings?

Absolutely! Whipped cream, chocolate curls, or extra fresh strawberries can add a decorative touch to the cheesecake before serving.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of red velvet with a creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries. Perfect for any special occasion or simply to enjoy a delicious treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a crowd favorite. With its beautiful color, velvety texture, and sweet-tart strawberry topping, it’s a dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. Whether you make it for a holiday, birthday, or casual gathering, this cheesecake is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.