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