Heavenly Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Creamy cheesecake meets classic strawberry shortcake in a dessert that promises pure decadence.

Sweet memories of summer picnics dance through this incredible fusion.

Layers of rich cream cheese blend perfectly with fresh, ripe strawberries.

Delicate crumble adds a satisfying crunch to each luxurious bite.

Homemade magic happens when traditional favorites merge into something extraordinary.

Fragrant strawberries and velvety cheesecake create a symphony of flavors you won’t forget.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create a dessert that will make everyone swoon.

Cheesecake Meets Shortcake in This Strawberry Dessert

• Quick and Easy Creation: Enjoy a delightful dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and strawberry cake with minimal complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Wow your guests with a show-stopping dessert that blends classic flavors in an unexpected and irresistible way.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any special occasion that calls for a decadent and impressive sweet indulgence.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting strawberry intensity or adding extra toppings to suit personal taste preferences.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Ingredient Guide

• Strawberry Cake Mix: Sweet and fluffy base for the dessert.
• Cake Tops: Crumbled for decorative topping.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich foundation.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness.
• Cool Whip: Provides light and airy texture.
• Strawberries: Fresh fruit for flavor burst.

• Graham Crackers: Crunchy base for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Binds the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy and tangy.
• Butter: Adds richness.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness.

• Wafer Cookies: Adds crunch and texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates pink color (optional).
• Cake Tops: Additional decorative crumble.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe Steps

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 325°F. Softly grease a springform pan with butter, creating a smooth surface for your dessert.

Step 2: Create The Crunchy Graham Crust

• Graham crackers
• Melted butter

Crush crackers into fine, sandy crumbs. Mix thoroughly with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base.

Step 3: Whip The Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese
• White chocolate chips

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Gently melt white chocolate chips and fold into the cream cheese, creating a luxurious mixture.

Step 4: Enhance The Cheesecake Layer

• Cool whip
• Fresh strawberries

Fold cool whip and chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Pour over the graham crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake The Cheesecake

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center sets perfectly. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Prepare The Strawberry Cake Layers

Follow the strawberry cake mix instructions. Divide batter between two round cake pans and bake according to package directions.

Step 7: Cool And Level Cake Layers

Let cake layers cool completely. Trim the tops to create even surfaces, saving the crumbs for decoration.

Step 8: Create Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a dreamy frosting.

Step 9: Assemble The Magnificent Cake

Layer the first cake, spread frosting, add the cheesecake layer, then more frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire creation.

Step 10: Add Spectacular Crumb Topping

• Cake crumbs
• Wafer cookies
• Red food coloring (optional)

Crush wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with saved cake crumbs. Add red food coloring if desired. Generously sprinkle over the frosted cake, pressing gently to make it stick.

Step 11: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Slice and enjoy the decadent layers of strawberry, cheesecake, and pure deliciousness!

Tips That Help with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Master the Strawberry Crumb Technique: Use both cake top crumbs and wafer cookies to create a delightful textured exterior that adds crunch and extra flavor to your dessert.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Bake the cheesecake layer at a lower temperature (325°F) and avoid overmixing the cream cheese to ensure a smooth, crack-free surface.
• Control Strawberry Moisture: Pat chopped strawberries dry with paper towels before folding into the cheesecake mixture to prevent excess liquid from making the filling runny.
• Achieve Perfect Frosting Consistency: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily and looks professionally finished.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a touch of strawberry extract or a splash of vanilla to the cheesecake mixture for a more intense and complex strawberry-vanilla flavor profile.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Storing With Style

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Slice the cheesecake before freezing. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavors. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake.

Shortcake Cheesecake Companion Picks

• Pair Perfectly with Strawberry Sweetness
• Enhance the cake's vibrant strawberry flavor with crisp, complementary beverages and accompaniments.
• Chill Moscato Wine: Select a light, sweet Italian white wine with delicate strawberry and peach notes that mirror the dessert's fruity profile.
• Brew Fresh Strawberry Tea: Prepare a chilled strawberry-infused black or herbal tea that echoes the cake's refreshing berry essence.
• Create Vanilla Cream Sidekick: Serve a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to balance the rich, tangy cheesecake layers with smooth, cool creaminess.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe: Creative Styles

• Gluten-Free Shortcake Cheesecake: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Berry Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut whipped cream instead of cool whip. Replace butter with coconut oil and use vegan cake mix and frosting.
• Low-Carb Berry Delight: Create a nut-based crust using crushed almonds and coconut flour. Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and replace sugar with stevia or erythritol. Use low-carb cake mix alternative.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Dream: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like almond-based cream cheese. Replace butter with coconut oil. Select dairy-free whipped topping and use non-dairy milk in cake preparation.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best for maximum flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture in the cheesecake.

• Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?

You’ll need a springform pan, electric mixer, and two 9-inch round cake pans. A cake turntable can help with frosting, but it’s optional.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This is a moderate-level recipe requiring multiple steps. Basic baking skills like mixing, folding, and layering will help you successfully create this dessert. Patience during cooling stages is key.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers, use gluten-free cake mix, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet symphonies dance in this strawberry shortcake cheesecake, blending classic dessert charm with creamy indulgence. Layers of buttery shortcake, luscious cream cheese, and fresh strawberries promise a delightful escape that will make taste buds celebrate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese
• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 box strawberry cake mix
• 1 package (10.6 ounces) white wafer cookies (strawberry or vanilla flavor)
• 2 packages graham crackers (about 18–20 full crackers)

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1/2 cup butter
• Oil (as per cake mix instructions)
• 8 ounces tub cool whip

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup white chips
• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
• 2 tablespoons vanilla
• Red food coloring

Additional Required Ingredients:

• Eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
• Water (as per cake mix instructions)
• Reserved crumbled cake tops

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by greasing a 9-inch springform pan and preheating the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Create the crust by pulverizing graham crackers into fine crumbs, mixing with melted butter, and pressing firmly into the pan’s bottom.
3. Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gently incorporating melted white chocolate chips to develop a luxurious base.
4. Delicately fold cool whip and freshly chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Transfer the cheesecake mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an elegant finish.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 25-30 minutes until it sets with a gentle wobble, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
7. Prepare the strawberry cake batter following package instructions, dividing evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans.
8. Bake cake layers according to package directions, then cool thoroughly and carefully level the tops, reserving cake crumbs.
9. Craft a velvety frosting by blending softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy.
10. Assemble the first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of frosting across the surface.
11. Carefully position the cheesecake layer atop the frosted cake, adding another layer of frosting.
12. Crown with the second cake layer and meticulously frost the entire cake, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Transform wafer cookies into fine crumbs, adding red food coloring if using vanilla wafers to achieve a soft pink shade.
14. Combine the reserved cake crumbs with the wafer crumbs, generously sprinkling and gently pressing the mixture onto the frosted cake for a textured finish.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Gently fold ingredients like cool whip and strawberries to maintain the light, airy consistency of the cheesecake.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the dessert.
• Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before serving to help it set and develop a more intense flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg