Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe:

1. Make the Red Velvet Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan (about 9 inches) to form a crust. Press it down firmly to ensure it holds together.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the sugar and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour, followed by the heavy cream. If you want the cheesecake to have a more vibrant red color, add red food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
   • Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled red velvet crust in the springform pan.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
   • Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 45-55 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
   • Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
   • After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set properly.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
   • While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice (if using). Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake:
   • Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, top it with the macerated strawberries, spreading them evenly over the top.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice and serve the rich and creamy red velvet strawberry cheesecake!

This dessert is a showstopper with its stunning red velvet crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberry topping—perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. Would you like to try adding a swirl of strawberry sauce into the cheesecake filling for a bit of extra flavor or color?