Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour one 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and saltuntil combined.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Color: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, add the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar, mixing until smooth.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

7. Lower the Oven Temperature: Reduce oven to 325°F (165°C).
8. Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
9. Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth but avoid overbeating.
10. Bake the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
11. Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

12. Prepare the Cake Base: Place the red velvet cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
13. Add the Cheesecake Layer: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan (using a springform pan makes this easier) and place it on top of the red velvet layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

14. Arrange the Strawberries: Toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar if desired, then arrange them evenly over the cheesecake.
15. Brush with Strawberry Jam: Lightly brush the strawberries with the warmed strawberry jam for a beautiful glaze.

Step 5: Serve

16. Chill and Serve: Allow the assembled cake to chill for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps set the layers.

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and a creamy cheesecake texture.
• Choose High-Quality Red Food Coloring: A gel-based coloring can yield a richer red color without affecting the texture.
• Allow Ample Cooling Time: Letting the cheesecake layer cool completely is essential to avoid a runny texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra-decadent experience. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Red Velvet Cheesecake is a beautiful, layered dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or romantic dinner. The combination of the rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries offers a flavor experience that’s sure to delight. Enjoy this decadent, picture-perfect treat, and savor every bite!