Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed - 1 cup whipped cream (for topping) - Fresh strawberries (for garnish) Red velvet strawberry cheesecake is a treat that blends rich flavors. The crust is the first step. You need graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. This mix creates a sweet and crunchy base. Next, the filling is key. You will need cream cheese and powdered sugar for a creamy texture. The eggs add richness, while vanilla gives depth. Cocoa powder and red food coloring provide the classic red velvet look. The addition of pureed strawberries is what makes this cheesecake special. It adds a fresh and fruity taste. The whipped cream on top adds lightness. Finally, garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that looks and tastes amazing. Enjoy the process of making this delightful cheesecake! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). - In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir until it all combines well. - Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it's even. Bake it for 10 minutes, then let it cool. - In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. - Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon red food coloring. Mix until it is uniform and creamy. - Gently fold in 1 cup of pureed fresh strawberries into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix. You want to keep some strawberry swirls for a pretty marbled look. - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. - Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The center should be set but still jiggle a bit when you shake the pan. - After baking, turn off the oven and crack the oven door. This helps it cool slowly for about an hour. - Cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. - Before serving, top your chilled cheesecake with 1 cup of whipped cream. - Garnish with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish. To get a smooth cheesecake, avoid overmixing. Overmixing adds too much air and makes the texture uneven. Mix just enough to blend the ingredients well. Aim for a creamy consistency where everything comes together without lumps. For the ideal texture, let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to combine with the other ingredients. Make sure your eggs are also at room temperature. This helps create a rich and creamy filling. You can add fun flavors to your cheesecake! Consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts for added crunch. If you want a fruity twist, swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. This will give you a unique flavor and color. When serving, think about presentation. Slice the cheesecake into wedges and place them on a nice plate. Drizzle some strawberry puree around the edges for an elegant touch. Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This adds color and makes the dish look even more tempting. One common mistake is undercooking or overcooking the cheesecake. To check if it is done, look for a slightly jiggly center. This means it will set perfectly as it cools. If it cracks, it may have been baked too long. For a flawless crust, make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan. This keeps it from crumbling when you slice the cheesecake. Bake it until it's golden, but not burnt. A well-made crust adds great flavor and texture to every bite. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter, which helps prevent lumps in your cheesecake. Don't Overmix: When incorporating the strawberry puree, mix gently to maintain the beautiful marbled effect. Overmixing can lead to a uniform color and loss of the strawberry flavor. Cooling Technique: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open to prevent cracks on the surface, which can occur due to rapid temperature changes. Garnishing Ideas: For an elegant presentation, drizzle additional strawberry puree over the top and around the plate before serving. Fresh mint leaves also make a beautiful garnish. {{image_2}} - Adding chocolate chips or nuts: For a fun twist, mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. They add texture and enhance the taste. Try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also use walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. - Swapping strawberries for other fruits: If you want a different fruit flavor, use pureed raspberries or blueberries. Each fruit gives a unique taste and color. This way, you can customize it to your favorite fruit. - Using low-fat cream cheese: For a lighter version, swap regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese. It still tastes good but cuts down on fat. You won’t lose the creamy texture you love. - Sugar substitutions for a lighter dessert: Consider sugar alternatives like honey or maple syrup. These options can make your dessert less sweet but still delicious. Adjust the amount to fit your taste and health goals. - Pairing with sauces or desserts: Serve your cheesecake with chocolate or caramel sauce. A drizzle of strawberry puree also pairs well. This adds extra flavor and makes your plate look nice. - Creative serving methods for gatherings: Slice the cheesecake into small squares for easy serving. You can place each piece on a colorful napkin. This makes it fun and easy for guests to enjoy. Consider using mini cups for individual servings too. To store your red velvet strawberry cheesecake, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Avoid exposing it to air, which can dry it out. You can freeze the cheesecake for longer storage. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the cheesecake in the fridge overnight. This helps keep its creamy texture. When stored properly in the fridge, the cheesecake lasts about five days. If you freeze it, it can last for about three months. Always check for spoilage. Signs include a sour smell or an odd color. If you see these signs, it’s best to throw it away. Red velvet cheesecake is a rich dessert that blends creamy cheesecake with a soft, red velvet cake. Its flavor is a mix of cocoa and vanilla, with hints of tanginess from the cream cheese. The vibrant red color makes it visually striking and perfect for special occasions. Yes, you can make this cheesecake ahead of time. It is best to bake it a day or two before serving. Store it in the fridge, covered well. This allows the flavors to meld and improve. Just remember to add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving. If you prefer not to use red food coloring, you can try beet juice for a natural alternative. It will give a similar color but may alter the taste slightly. You can also use pomegranate juice or raspberry puree for a unique twist. Yes, you can make mini cheesecakes using a muffin tin or small ramekins. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after about 25-30 minutes. This way, you can serve individual portions, perfect for parties or gatherings. To check if the cheesecake is done, look for a set center with a slight jiggle. The edges should be firm while the center remains soft. It will continue to firm up as it cools. This ensures a creamy texture without being undercooked. Now you have all you need to bake a delightful red velvet cheesecake. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and crucial tips for perfecting your dessert. You can even explore various flavors and storage methods. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a sweet treat at home, this cheesecake is a fantastic choice. Baking can be easy and fun with the right guidance. Get your ingredients ready and start your baking adventure today! Enjoy this tasty treat!$

Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake

A delicious and visually stunning cheesecake with a red velvet twist and fresh strawberry flavor.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
1 cups whipped cream (for topping)
to taste fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until fully combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix until fully incorporated and the color is uniform.
Gently fold in the pureed strawberries into the cheesecake mixture until combined, but do not overmix to keep some strawberry swirls for a marbled effect.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly for about an hour. Then, cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Before serving, top the chilled cheesecake with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, drizzle additional strawberry puree around the plate.

Keyword cheesecake, dessert, red velvet, strawberry