Description
A magnificent double-layer cake featuring red velvet layers, no-bake cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box premium red velvet cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water (as per cake mix instructions)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 24 ounces (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced) + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for maceration)
- 2 cups strawberries (diced) + ⅓ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice + 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for compote)
- Extra fresh sliced strawberries (for garnish)
- Sweetened whipped cream or cream cheese frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the box, adding the optional vanilla extract. Divide between pans and bake as directed.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Trim domed tops for level layers.
- Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to macerate.
- Combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until berries break down.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened, then let it cool.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until firm peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain airiness.
- Assemble the cake starting with one velvet layer, spread a layer of cheesecake filling, add macerated strawberries, followed by strawberry compote, and top with more cheesecake filling.
- Cap with the second layer and top with remaining cheesecake filling. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Decorate with whipped cream stars and sliced strawberries before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill overnight and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cake, strawberries, red velvet, cheesecake, dessert, celebration