Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth and combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the red velvet cake cool completely before assembling the cheesecake.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until everything is fully incorporated.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled red velvet cake in the springform pan.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cheesecake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. It should still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan.
• Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set completely.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let them sit for about 30 minutes to macerate, releasing their natural juices.

5. Prepare the Whipped Cream (Optional):

• In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

6. Assemble the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake:

• Once the cheesecake is fully set and chilled, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
• Arrange the macerated strawberries over the top of the cheesecake, allowing some of the juices to drizzle over the sides.
• If desired, pipe or dollop the whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake for an extra touch of elegance.

7. Serve:

• Slice the Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake and enjoy the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake, tender red velvet cake, and sweet, tangy strawberries. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones!

This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, with its beautiful red velvet layers and fresh strawberry topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any celebration. Are you making this for a special event, or just for an indulgent treat?