If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, look no further than Red Velvet Strawberry Delight. With its bold color, dreamy layers, and sweet strawberry finish, this cake will bring a little magic to any table. It’s a perfect blend of tender red velvet cake, creamy whipped topping, luscious strawberries, and a glistening strawberry jam drizzle. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat your loved ones, this dessert is summer in a pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Red Velvet Strawberry Delight isn’t just delicious—it’s essential! From the vibrant red velvet base to the cloud-like whipped topping, every addition helps build the irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this treat unforgettable.
- Red velvet cake mix: The heart of this dessert, providing a moist, rich, crimson-hued base with hints of cocoa.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These come together with the cake mix to guarantee a perfectly tender crumb every time—no cake failures here!
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): For a luxurious, tangy-sweet layer that pairs beautifully with strawberries and cake.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the cream cheese for a luscious, spreadable texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, inviting flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, thawed): Makes the cream layer light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): They add juicy brightness and vibrant color—don’t skimp on these!
- Strawberry jam or preserves (½ cup, warmed): A glossy, sweet drizzle that ties the whole dessert together.
- Optional: Extra whipped topping or white chocolate shavings: For a delightful garnish that adds extra elegance and fun.
How to Make Red Velvet Strawberry Delight
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Start by preparing the red velvet cake mix according to the instructions on the box, adding in the recommended eggs, oil, and water. Pour the dreamy red batter into a 9×13-inch pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely—patience is key, as a cool base will keep your glorious cream layer from melting.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping until creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, creating a light and airy mixture you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl!
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Once your cake is totally cool, spread the cream cheese mixture over the top, covering every inch of that beautiful red velvet. Next, scatter a generous layer of sliced fresh strawberries across the creamy blanket. Warm the strawberry jam just enough to make it syrupy, then drizzle it lovingly over the strawberries, letting it trickle into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pat yourself on the back—the layers are done! Now, for the hardest part: waiting. Cover your masterpiece and chill in the fridge for at least two hours (or overnight, if you can muster the patience) so everything melds perfectly and slices cleanly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, dress up your Red Velvet Strawberry Delight with a flourish of extra whipped topping or a snowfall of white chocolate shavings. Slice into generous squares and serve chilled—watch as everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Red Velvet Strawberry Delight
Garnishes
For that wow factor, pile on a billowy swirl of whipped topping or grate a little white chocolate over each serving. You can even add a few more fresh strawberry slices for color. These little touches not only look pretty but add delicious creaminess and crunch.
Side Dishes
This dessert sings on its own, but if you want to round out the party, pair it with a cup of rich coffee or icy cold milk. For summer gatherings, a side of lightly sweetened iced tea or a bowl of fresh mixed berries keeps things bright and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Red Velvet Strawberry Delight into mini squares and arranging them on a platter for a gorgeous party tray. Or, punch out shapes with a cookie cutter and layer them in parfait glasses for individual servings—kids and adults will both love the fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Red Velvet Strawberry Delight with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for grab-and-go treats all week long.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dessert, slice it into portions first and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. The texture of the cream layer may change slightly once thawed, but it’ll still be wonderfully tasty up to one month later!
Reheating
This luscious cake is best enjoyed chilled, not warm. If it’s been frozen, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it’s ready to serve—no oven or microwave needed!
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, use it for an even more personal touch. Just make sure to bake it in a 9×13-inch pan to keep the proportions right for Red Velvet Strawberry Delight.
Are there other fruits I can use besides strawberries?
Of course! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a berry blend work beautifully, but strawberries are the classic choice for that summery, sweet-tart burst in every bite.
Can I make Red Velvet Strawberry Delight ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it gets even better after a night in the fridge. The layers meld together for maximum flavor and a clean, tidy slice every time you serve it.
What’s the best way to slice the cake neatly?
Use a sharp, thin knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the cake overnight makes it much easier to get those beautiful, tidy slices every time you serve Red Velvet Strawberry Delight.
Is this dessert suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, Red Velvet Strawberry Delight is vegetarian-friendly! All the ingredients are plant-based except the dairy, so it fits a vegetarian lifestyle perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is scrumptious, you need to give Red Velvet Strawberry Delight a spot on your dessert table. It’s pure joy in every bite, and once you serve it, this treat is sure to become one of your new go-to favorites for every celebration—or just a simple, sweet afternoon at home!
PrintRed Velvet Strawberry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent layers of a Red Velvet Strawberry Delight – a luscious treat featuring moist red velvet cake topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, fresh strawberries, and a sweet strawberry jam drizzle. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
For Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (warmed slightly for easy spreading)
- Optional: extra whipped topping or white chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake the Cake: Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix box to prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until fluffy.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cake. Layer sliced strawberries on top, then drizzle with warmed strawberry jam. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, add extra toppings if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For easy slicing, chill the cake overnight.
- You can use strawberry pie filling instead of fresh strawberries and jam.
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day, potlucks, or a summer treat.