Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake : there’s something truly magical about dessert, especially when it brings back fond memories of family gatherings, laughter, and shared stories. One such dessert is Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake. With its rich red color and creamy cheesecake layer, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds, but a nostalgic experience that warms the heart. When you take a bite of this delicious creation, it feels like love in every morsel, reminding you of special moments spent with loved ones. In this article, we will explore why this recipe is beloved, how to prepare it, and more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is perfect for so many reasons. Firstly, it combines two desserts that many people love: red velvet cake and cheesecake. The smooth, creamy cheesecake pairs perfectly with the moist, rich red velvet, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Additionally, fresh strawberries add a delightful fruity twist, making each bite refreshing and enjoyable.

The vibrant color of this cake is eye-catching and adds a festive touch to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a regular day that needs a little sweetness, this cheesecake will surely impress. Plus, it’s a recipe that can easily become a family tradition, just like Grandma did.

Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful dessert!

How to Prepare Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

To make your very own Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, you will need:

For the Red Velvet Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on the steps to create this mouthwatering cheesecake!

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
3. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Finally, add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter onto one of the cooled red velvet cake layers in the round cake pan. Place the other red velvet layer on top of the cheesecake layer.
7. Bake the layered cake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open, allowing the cake to cool slowly for about an hour. This will help prevent cracking.
9. After an hour, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat.
2. Set the mixture aside for about 15-20 minutes until the strawberries release their juices.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the refrigerator.
2. Top the cheesecake with the strawberry mixture, spreading it evenly over the top.
3. Cut into slices and serve.

How to Serve Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

Serving this delightful cheesecake is all about presentation and enjoyment. Here are a few tips:

• Slice it up: Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices for a clean cut.
• Add toppings: If you want to elevate this dessert even further, consider serving it with whipped cream or drizzling some chocolate sauce on top.
• Pair with drinks: A nice cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk pairs wonderfully with this cheesecake.

How to Store Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

To keep your cheesecake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Wrap well: If you have a whole cheesecake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
• Freeze for later: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips for Preparing Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smooth batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: When mixing your ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake and cheesecake.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh strawberries and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Variation (if applicable)

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake can be adjusted to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Chocolate drizzle: For a chocolate lover, you can add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the strawberries before serving.
• Nut crunch: Sprinkle some crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top for added texture.
• Different fruits: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, depending on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this cheesecake in advance? A1: Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Q2: Can I substitute an ingredient? A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.

Q3: What should I do if my cheesecake cracks? A3: Cracking is often a result of baking at high temperatures or overmixing. To minimize the chance of cracking, bake at a lower temperature and follow the cooling instructions closely.

In summary, Grandma’s Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that brings joy and flavor to any occasion. Its rich layers and beautiful presentation make it a crowd-pleaser. So why not try making this magical recipe and create your own lovely memories? Happy baking! 🍓🍰✨