Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Indulge in the irresistible layers of this Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake! With the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake paired with a creamy cheesecake filling and fresh, sweet strawberries, this dessert is a true showstopper. The combination of chocolatey red velvet, tangy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries will make it a favorite for any special occasion!

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake Layer:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of the strawberries)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

• Whipped cream (optional)
• Additional strawberries for decoration
• Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Red Velvet Cake Layer:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, softened butter, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into thin layers.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line the sides of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thick.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared springform pan, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
6. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
7. After that, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Toss gently to coat the strawberries, and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes until the juices are released and the strawberries become syrupy.

4. Assemble the Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake:

1. Once the red velvet cake and cheesecake layers are fully cooled and set, begin layering them.
2. Place a layer of the red velvet cake in the bottom of a serving dish or a trifle bowl.
3. Spread a layer of cheesecake filling over the cake layer.
4. Repeat the layers, alternating between the red velvet cake and cheesecake, until you run out of both.
5. Top the final layer with the macerated strawberries, allowing their syrup to drizzle over the top.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream, additional fresh strawberries, and chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an elegant touch.
2. Chill the assembled cheesecake for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Slice and enjoy every decadent bite of this Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake!

Tips:

• Perfect Layers: If you want the layers to be perfectly even, use a serrated knife to carefully slice the red velvet cake into even layers.
• Add a Crunch: For a bit of texture contrast, consider adding a layer of crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs in between the red velvet and cheesecake layers.
• Strawberry Compote: For an even richer strawberry flavor, simmer the strawberries with sugar to make a thicker compote.

This Heavenly Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect balance of rich, velvety cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries. It’s an indulgent treat that will make any celebration feel extra special!