Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines two classic desserts—strawberry shortcake and cheesecake—into one irresistible treat. Featuring layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a buttery shortcake crumble, this dessert is as stunning as it is delicious.

I first made this cheesecake for a summer gathering, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The creamy texture of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy strawberries and the crunchy shortcake crumble, creating the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just treating yourself on a warm day, this dessert will be a hit.

What’s great about Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, despite its elegant appearance. With a few key ingredients and some layering, you can create a dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. If you’re a fan of strawberries, cheesecake, or both, this is a must-try treat!

Perfect for:

• Birthdays and celebrations
• Summer gatherings
• Dessert lovers
• Strawberry fans
• Elegant dinner parties

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Here’s why Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake will become your go-to dessert:

• Rich and Creamy Cheesecake Layers: The cheesecake filling is ultra-creamy, perfectly complementing the fresh strawberries and buttery crumble.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The layers of fresh strawberries provide a fruity, tangy contrast to the sweet and creamy cheesecake.
• Shortcake Crumble Topping: The golden, buttery shortcake crumble adds the perfect texture and nostalgic flavor.
• Beautiful Presentation: This layered dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences, making this dessert versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Preparation and Cooking Time Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4-5 hours
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 24g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake:

Crust:

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafers)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Strawberry Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Shortcake Crumble:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a natural, juicy flavor that’s essential for this dessert. They’re used both in the filling and as a garnish.
• Graham Cracker Crust: A classic crust base that adds a buttery, slightly crunchy texture to balance the creamy cheesecake.
• Shortcake Crumble: The crumble is made with crushed freeze-dried strawberries, which give it a concentrated strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color.
• Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These create a rich, smooth cheesecake filling with just the right amount of tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake:

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

4. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Incorporate the Vanilla, Sour Cream, and Heavy Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until fully combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble and Bake:

7. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
9. Cool: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Strawberry Layer:

10. Cook the Strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Shortcake Crumble:

11. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
12. Bake the Crumble: Spread the crumble on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool completely.

Assemble the Cheesecake:

13. Add the Strawberry Layer: Spread the cooled strawberry mixture evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
14. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the strawberry layer.
15. Decorate (Optional): Add dollops of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an elegant finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is best served chilled. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Show-Stopping Dessert: Serve this cheesecake as the centerpiece of your dessert table for any special occasion.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh strawberry slice to each slice for extra indulgence.
• Paired with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
• For Summer Parties: This cheesecake is the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, especially with its refreshing strawberry flavor.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Avoid Overbaking: The cheesecake is done when the center is set but slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.
• Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake to chill fully in the refrigerator before adding the strawberry and crumble layers.
• Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for parties or events.
• Customize the Crumble: You can swap the freeze-dried strawberries for crushed vanilla wafers or even graham crackers for a twist.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake:

1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: Add a layer of melted chocolate on the crust before adding the cheesecake filling.
2. Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake: Add lemon zest and juice to the cheesecake filling for a zesty twist.
3. Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake: Swirl strawberry puree into the cheesecake filling before baking.
4. No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake: Skip the baking and make a no-bake cheesecake version with gelatin.
5. Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based ingredients for a dairy-free option.
6. Gluten-Free Strawberry Cheesecake: Replace the graham cracker crust with a gluten-free cookie crust.
7. Mixed Berry Cheesecake: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the strawberry layer for a mixed berry dessert.
8. Strawberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake: Fold melted white chocolate into the cheesecake filling for extra richness.
9. Nutty Crust Cheesecake: Use crushed almonds or pecans in the crust for added texture and flavor.
10. Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan and cut into bars for a portable dessert.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is essential for this recipe to make removing the cheesecake easy.
• Electric Mixer: Use a hand or stand mixer for a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Zester: A zester is handy if you want to add lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Food Processor: A food processor makes crushing graham crackers or freeze-dried strawberries quick and easy.
• Heatproof Spatula: Perfect for folding ingredients and scraping bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them before making the strawberry layer.
2. Can I skip the shortcake crumble?
   The crumble adds a delicious texture, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cheesecake.
3. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
   Avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cheesecake in a water bath for a smoother surface.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the graham crackers with a gluten-free cookie or cracker alternative.
5. What’s the best way to slice the cheesecake?
   Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean between slices for clean cuts.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert that combines the best of two worlds—creamy cheesecake and fruity strawberry shortcake. With its beautiful layers, buttery crumble, and fresh strawberries, this dessert is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is stunning. Whether you’re serving it for a summer celebration, a birthday, or just because, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress and delight!

This recipe is just as fun to make as it is to enjoy, perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to special occasions. The combination of rich cheesecake and the light, refreshing taste of strawberry shortcake makes every bite a little piece of heaven.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!