If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat, the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This layered treat brings together the rich, moist texture of classic red velvet cake with a luxuriously creamy cheesecake layer and the fresh, bright burst of luscious strawberries. Every bite feels like a celebration — perfectly balanced, beautifully vibrant, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just craving something sweet to brighten your day, this dessert will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering irresistible flavor and texture. From the deep red velvet cake base to the silky cheesecake and fresh strawberries, every component works harmoniously.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s tender crumb and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and strawberry topping perfectly.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the red velvet flavor.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Buttermilk, room temperature: Offers moisture and tenderness with a slight tang that complements the cake.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- Egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and provides richness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a hint of floral sweetness.
- White vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create that classic red velvet cake lift.
- Red food coloring: Gives the cake its iconic, mesmerizing red hue.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, creamy and tangy.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake while keeping it smooth.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into stiff peaks to create a light and airy cheesecake texture.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: For a juicy, vibrant topping and mix-ins.
- Granulated sugar (for strawberries): Draws out natural juices and sweetens the fruit.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh brightness to the strawberry topping.
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish): Adds a fresh, pretty finish.
- Whipped cream (for garnish): Offers a light, creamy contrast for serving.
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe
Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Cake Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform or round cake pan — this ensures your cake won’t stick and will release cleanly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for an even dry mixture. In a separate large bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until everything is smooth and vibrant. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined to keep your cake tender. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on — patience here pays off wonderfully!
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
While the cake cools, whip up your cheesecake layer. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth — no lumps allowed! In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, a crucial step for that light, mousse-like consistency. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate the airiness you just created. Once combined, spread this luscious layer evenly over the cooled red velvet cake. You’re creating a dreamy, creamy contrast that’s the heart of the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
Now to add the fresh burst of flavor — toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes so they release their natural juices, creating a beautiful syrup that’s bursting with sweet and tangy goodness. Spoon the strawberries and syrup evenly over the cheesecake layer, making sure every slice will have that signature strawberry freshness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to wow your guests, garnish with additional fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. This final touch not only amps up the presentation but also the indulgence factor of the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe.
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries and whipped cream are timeless options that perfectly complement the layers beneath. You can also sprinkle a few white chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant twist that enhances the dessert’s beauty and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Serve this dessert alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightfully balanced dessert spread. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light sparkling rosé if you’re feeling celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider presenting the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe in elegant individual parfait glasses layered like little strawberries and cream wonders. You can also cut it into neat squares and serve on decorative plates with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce for extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your dessert, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep the cake fresh and moist. Refrigeration is best, and your Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe will stay delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dessert, but it’s best to do so before adding the strawberry topping. Wrap the cake and cheesecake layers separately in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before finishing with strawberries to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended as it could alter the texture of the cheesecake and strawberries. Simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the topping too watery.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, non-dairy whipped cream, and plant-based milk in place of buttermilk. Keep in mind textures and flavors might vary slightly, but it can still be delicious!
What kind of red food coloring is best for this recipe?
Gel-based red food coloring works best as it provides a vibrant color without thinning the batter. Liquid food coloring works too but may require a bit more to achieve that signature deep red velvet hue.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake and prepare the cheesecake layer a day ahead and assemble everything the day of the event for the freshest presentation. Just add the strawberry topping right before serving to keep it looking and tasting its best.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk?
A quick buttermilk substitute is to combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have that tangy acidity needed for the red velvet cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe that makes it more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and gorgeous color all in one. By layering moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries, you get a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I genuinely can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy this beautiful dessert brings to the table. Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Velvet Strawberry Delight is a luscious layered dessert combining a moist red velvet cake base with a creamy cheesecake layer topped with fresh, macerated strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this recipe offers a delightful balance of rich flavors and textures with the classic red velvet taste, smooth cream cheese filling, and fresh, juicy strawberries.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake Layer
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform or round cake pan to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine all dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and red food coloring until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Red Velvet Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, indicating it is firm but still soft enough to fold. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, combining thoroughly but carefully to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the Dessert: Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the cooled red velvet cake base, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create a flat top layer.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir to coat all pieces, then let the strawberries sit for 10-15 minutes. This maceration process helps to release their natural juices, creating a flavorful syrup.
- Add the Strawberry Topping: Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing the fruit and syrup for best flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dessert with fresh whole strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like buttermilk, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the cake batter to keep the red velvet cake tender and soft.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cake layers after baking.
- Make the dessert a day in advance for enhanced flavor and convenience.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen can be used but drain excess liquid before macerating.
- Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
