A luscious, show-stopping dessert with layers of moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries! 🍓🔥
Ingredients:
**For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tbsp cocoa powder
* 1 tsp baking soda
* ½ tsp salt
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 2 tbsp red food coloring
* 2 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tsp white vinegar
**For the Cheesecake Layer:**
* 16 oz cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
**For the Filling & Topping:**
* 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
* ½ cup strawberry preserves or glaze
* Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Make the Cheesecake Layer:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until just combined. Pour into a greased 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment. Bake 35-40 minutes or until set. Cool completely, then chill in fridge.
2. **Make the Red Velvet Cake Layers:** Increase oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat sugar and oil. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Gradually add dry ingredients. Divide batter into two 9-inch pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
3. **Assemble the Cake:** Place one red velvet layer on a cake plate. Spread a layer of cheesecake over it. Arrange sliced strawberries evenly on top. Place second red velvet layer over strawberries.
4. **Top It Off:** Warm the strawberry preserves slightly and spread over the top of the cake. Decorate with more fresh strawberries and chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Pro Tip:
For perfect clean slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it between each cut!
Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
