When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, there’s nothing quite like the delight of serving a stunning dessert that captures the spirit of celebration. My love for extravagant desserts sparked the creation of this Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with a Pink Champagne Cake Bottom. The moment I brought the alluring aroma of champagne and fresh strawberries wafting through my kitchen, I knew I was onto something special.
This luxurious cheesecake features a light, fluffy pink champagne cake base layered with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a homemade strawberry sauce and light strawberry champagne whipped cream. Not only does it add an elegant touch to any gathering, but it also delights the palate with its sweet, bubbly flavors and vibrant colors. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a special treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress every guest at your table. Let’s dive into the steps to create this show-stopping centerpiece that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year!
Why is Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake special?
Elegant Presentation: This cheesecake is truly a show-stopper, featuring layers of pink champagne cake and creamy filling that will wow your guests visually.
Decadent Flavor: The combination of champagne, strawberries, and whipped cream creates a luxurious taste that celebrates the essence of special occasions.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this decadent dessert without advanced baking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
Versatile Delight: Swap strawberries for other berries or use sparkling cider for a delightful twist, ensuring it caters to various tastes.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s New Year’s Eve or a wedding, this cheesecake fits seamlessly into any festive occasion, leaving everyone craving more.
With all these qualities, your friends and family will be talking about this dessert long after the last slice is gone! Consider checking out more New Year’s dessert ideas to make your celebration even sweeter!
Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Ingredients
For the Cake Bottom
- Champagne – Provides the essential bubbly flavor; feel free to substitute with any sparkling wine.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake base; you can reduce the amount for less sweetness if desired.
- Sour Cream – Adds moisture and tenderness; you can swap Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps create the cake structure; feel free to use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and aromatic notes.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the cheesecake filling; must be at room temperature for a smooth blend.
- Eggs – Provides structure and stability; use room temperature eggs for optimal incorporation.
- Sour Cream – Adds richness to the cheesecake; combines seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; adjust according to taste.
- Cornstarch – Prevents cracking by ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Champagne Reduction – Infuses the filling with a delightful bubbly flavor; cool it completely before use.
For the Topping
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream for an airy texture.
- Strawberry Jell-O Powder – Infuses flavor and color into whipped cream; can be omitted for a more natural whipped topping.
- Heavy Cream – The base for your whipped cream, creating light, fluffy layers.
- Fresh Strawberries – Used to make the sauce and for garnish; substitute with raspberries for a unique twist.
- Water – Necessary for making the strawberry sauce, enhancing its texture.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor of the strawberry sauce, making it more vibrant.
You’re just a few ingredients away from crafting the exquisite Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom that will undoubtedly become a highlight of your celebration!
How to Make Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake
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Make Champagne Reduction: Pour champagne into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat. Cook until it reduces from 2 and 3/4 cups to about 1 and 1/4 cups. Once done, allow it to cool completely.
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Prepare Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in sour cream and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and the cooled champagne until combined, tinting the batter pink if you’d like. Pour this mixture into a greased springform pan and bake for 18-20 minutes.
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Cool Cake Base: Once baked, let the cake cool completely before lowering the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
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Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate sugar, cornstarch, sour cream, vanilla, and the champagne reduction. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined. Pour this creamy filling over your cooled cake base.
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Prepare Water Bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place it in a large baking pan and fill with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour and 25 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
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Cooling: After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes. Then, leave the oven door ajar for another 30 minutes. Remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
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Strawberry Sauce: In a saucepan, cook strawberries with sugar, water, and lemon juice until softened. Blend the mixture, strain it, and let it cool.
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Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar, champagne reduction, and strawberry Jell-O until stiff peaks form.
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Final Assembly: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Generously drizzle the strawberry sauce over the cheesecake, pipe the whipped cream decoratively, and garnish with edible gold stars for that festive touch!
Optional: Drizzle with extra strawberry sauce for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Variations
Embrace your creativity as you explore delightful twists on this stunning dessert!
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Berry Blend: Swap strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant flavor explosion. The tartness complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Non-Alcoholic Option: Use sparkling cider or non-alcoholic champagne to create a refreshingly bubbly dessert for all ages. The flavor remains enticing without the alcohol kick.
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Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of rich chocolate ganache beneath the cheesecake for a decadent twist. This addition enhances the dessert’s indulgent appeal.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cheesecake mixture for a bright citrus flavor that elevates the overall taste. It adds a refreshing tang!
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Nutty Crust: Replace traditional graham cracker crumbs with crushed almonds or hazelnuts for a gluten-free base that adds texture and flavor.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter or cheesecake filling for a warm, cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
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Extra Whipped Delight: Fold in some mascarpone cheese with the whipped cream for a richer, creamier topping that takes your dessert to the next level.
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Savory Sweet: Experiment by adding a hint of balsamic vinegar or honey to the strawberry sauce. These elements can deepen the flavor and enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
With these variations, you can personalize your Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake to fit any occasion!
What to Serve with Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom?
Indulging in a slice of this luxurious cheesecake is an experience, and pairing it with the right sides elevates your dessert table to new heights.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries adds a vibrant color and tartness that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake perfectly. Their natural juiciness complements the strawberries and keeps your dessert feeling light and refreshing.
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Sparkling Wine: Keep the celebration going by serving a chilled glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco, enhancing the champagne flavor in the cheesecake. The bubbles add a festive touch and make each bite even more decadent.
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Mint-Infused Whipped Cream: A dollop of mint-infused whipped cream adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cheesecake. Just whip up some cream with a hint of mint extract for a surprising twist.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These delightful treats offer a sweet and indulgent counterpart, with the rich chocolate contrasting beautifully with the fruity notes of the cheesecake. Set them on the side for an extravagant touch!
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Lemon Sorbet: This light and zesty sorbet makes an excellent palate cleanser between bites of the rich cheesecake, serving as a refreshing intermission in a delightful dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful touch of sweetness and richness, melting perfectly over each slice of cheesecake. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
Every bite of Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom is an opportunity to celebrate, and with these amazing pairings, your dessert table will shine even brighter!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake
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Fridge: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will keep the cheesecake fresh and maintain its creamy texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, keeping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Reheating: Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold. If desired, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor balance.
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Cutting Portions: If you plan to freeze individual slices, be sure to wrap each slice separately for easy access and reduced freezer burn. Enjoy your beautiful Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake even after the festivities!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake
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Chill the Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake filling. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps.
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Proper Mixing: Avoid overbeating the eggs as this can introduce too much air, which often results in cracks in your cheesecake.
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Cooling Time: Never rush the cooling process. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven to prevent cracks and achieve a perfect texture.
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Water Bath: Wrap your springform pan tightly in aluminum foil to prevent any leaks during the water bath baking process, ensuring a moist cheesecake.
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Garnish Thoughtfully: Decorate with strawberry sauce and whipped cream just before serving to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess on the cheesecake surface.
With these helpful tips, your Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom will be a delightful and stunning dessert for any celebration!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the pink champagne cake base up to 24 hours in advance—just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The cheesecake filling can also be prepared the day before; simply bake it as directed, cool, and let set overnight in the fridge. For the sweetest results, whip up the strawberry sauce and champagne whipped cream just before serving to ensure freshness. This way, you’ll delight in a show-stopping dessert that’s just as delicious, with minimal effort needed on the big day!
Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Champagne Cake Bottom Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right champagne for the cheesecake?
Absolutely! For this Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake, any sparkling wine will work beautifully. Look for a champagne or prosecco that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will enhance the cake. Avoid overly sweet varieties; a dry or brut champagne will add a nice balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake.
What’s the best way to store the Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake?
To store your cheesecake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Can I freeze Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake?
Very! To freeze, first allow the cheesecake to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my cheesecake cracks during baking?
If your cheesecake cracks, don’t fret! This can happen if the eggs are overbeaten or if the cheesecake cools too quickly. To prevent this, mix the eggs gently and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven after baking. If cracks do form, you can always cover them with a dollop of whipped cream or strawberry sauce for a beautiful presentation!
Is this cheesecake safe for pets or individuals with allergies?
Absolutely! However, note that this dessert contains ingredients like cream cheese and sugar, which can be harmful to pets, particularly dogs. For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, ensure you’re using lactose-free cream cheese and watch out for gluten if using all-purpose flour. Consider swapping it for a gluten-free flour blend for those dietary needs.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors as it chills overnight. After you’ve assembled your cheesecake, just cover it and refrigerate. You can also prepare the cake base in advance and store it wrapped tightly, which will save you time on the day of your celebration.
Indulge in Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Cake Bottom
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour champagne into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1 and 1/4 cups. Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar in another bowl; mix in sour cream and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients and cooled champagne. Pour into greased springform pan and bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely, then reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, cornstarch, sour cream, vanilla, and champagne reduction. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. Pour over cooled cake base.
- Wrap springform pan in aluminum foil, place in a baking pan, and fill with boiling water halfway up the sides. Bake for about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
- After baking, let cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes, then leave door ajar for another 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before refrigerating overnight.
- In a saucepan, cook strawberries with sugar, water, and lemon juice until soft. Blend, strain, and let cool.
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar, champagne reduction, and strawberry Jell-O until stiff peaks form.
- Remove cheesecake from the springform pan, drizzle with strawberry sauce, pipe whipped cream decoratively, and garnish with edible gold stars.