
01/14/2025
Get ready to enjoy your -Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake Extravaganza!
Here's what you'll need for this Extravaganza:
For the Red Velvet Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Cheesecake Filling:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions for your Extravaganza:
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
Gradually add heavy cream and beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to cool slowly.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine.
5. The Finishing Touches:
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until it's completely chilled.
Top with the strawberry mixture just before serving.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Extravaganza Even More Spectacular:
For an even richer flavor, use bittersweet or dark chocolate for the cocoa powder in both the crust and filling.
For a more decadent topping, add a drizzle of melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) or a sprinkle of chopped chocolate over the strawberries.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful and refreshing touch.