Dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories dance through my mind when I think about this strawberry shortcake cheesecake that blends two beloved desserts into one dreamy creation.

Creamy layers promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Soft, crumbly shortcake mingles perfectly with rich cream cheese filling.

Fresh strawberries scattered across the top bring vibrant color and tangy brightness.

Decadent yet surprisingly simple, this dessert will become your new favorite weekend treat.

Whipping up this recipe feels like crafting an edible masterpiece that sparks joy and delights everyone around you.

One slice will have friends begging for your secret technique.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake That Combines Two Classics

Beginner-Friendly Baking Adventure: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to create an impressive dessert without advanced pastry skills. This recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable stages, ensuring success even for those with limited baking experience.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Extravaganza: Combines multiple beloved desserts – cheesecake, cake, and strawberry crunch – into one spectacular treat that guarantees excited reactions from family and friends. Guests will be amazed by the layers and unexpected flavor combinations.

Time-Efficient Showstopper: Requires approximately 2-3 hours total preparation time, including baking and cooling periods. Strategic steps can be completed in advance, making it convenient for busy home cooks who want a stunning dessert without spending entire day in the kitchen.

Customizable Celebration Centerpiece: Adaptable for various occasions like birthdays, summer gatherings, or potlucks. Home bakers can easily modify decorations or adjust strawberry intensity to suit personal preferences and event themes.

What Brings Together the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component for creating light and tender cake layers.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Provide rich flavor and create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor enhancement.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, rich cheesecake base with tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and create creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cheesecake.

• Oreo Cookies, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Create crunchy, fruity topping with texture contrast.
• Butter: Helps bind the crunch topping together.

Shortcake Cheesecake Baking Method

Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Foundation

Mix cream cheese with sugar until silky smooth.

Gently fold in eggs and vanilla extract, blending until perfectly combined.

Pour the luxurious mixture into a parchment-lined springform pan.

Bake at 325°F until the center sets with a gentle wobble.

Allow to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Create Tender Cake Layers

Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare cake pans with gentle greasing.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

In a separate bowl, whip butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Incorporate eggs one by one, ensuring thorough mixing.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, creating a smooth batter.

Finish with a splash of vanilla.

Divide batter between pans and bake until golden and springy.

Step 3: Develop Crunchy Strawberry Topping

• Melted butter
• Freeze-dried strawberry pieces

Mix until achieving a delightful crumbly texture.

Step 4: Assemble Spectacular Dessert

Place first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread a delicate frosting layer.

Carefully position the chilled cheesecake on top.

Crown with the second cake layer.

Generously frost entire cake.

Press strawberry crunch topping around sides and over the top, creating a stunning visual masterpiece.

Cake Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Refrigerate cheesecake layer for at least 2 hours before assembling to ensure firm, clean cuts and easier handling.
• Use an offset spatula and rotate cake slowly while applying frosting to create an even, professional-looking finish.
• Avoid overmixing batter and bake in a water bath to minimize surface cracks and ensure creamy texture.
• Let cream cheese, eggs, and butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to blend smoothly and create consistent texture.
• Crush freeze-dried strawberries finely for intense flavor and vibrant color in the crunch topping without adding moisture.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Stored Right

• Store the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
• Slice the cake and place individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore its creamy texture and optimal flavor.

Sweet Matches for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Perfectly Pair Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
• Creamy Champagne Complement: Light, bubbly champagne cuts through the rich cheesecake, balancing sweetness with crisp acidity. French champagne or prosecco work beautifully, highlighting strawberry notes.
• Refresh with Berry Sorbet: Serve a small scoop of strawberry or raspberry sorbet alongside the cake. Cold, tart sorbet provides a palate-cleansing contrast to the dense, creamy dessert texture.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Choose a sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling to enhance the strawberry flavors. These wines offer subtle sweetness that mirrors the cake's fruity profile without overwhelming its delicate balance.
• Brew Vanilla Cream Coffee: Prepare a smooth vanilla-infused coffee with a touch of cream. The warm, aromatic beverage complements the cake's richness and brings out the dessert's complex flavors.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Sweet Blends

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients like Oreos are certified gluten-free. Adjust baking time slightly for gluten-free flours.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use plant-based butter, swap eggs with flax eggs, and choose dairy-free milk. Replace Oreos with vegan cookie crumbs.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, select reduced-fat cream cheese, and incorporate fresh strawberries for natural sweetness. Choose sugar-free vanilla extract.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap cake layers with almond flour-based sponge, use cream cheese with higher fat content, replace sugar with erythritol, and use crushed keto-friendly cookies for crunch topping.

FAQs

• Are the ingredients for this recipe easily accessible?

Most ingredients are common and found in regular grocery stores. Freeze-dried strawberries might require a special trip to a baking supply or health food store.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free Oreo-style cookies for the crunch topping.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This is an intermediate-level recipe that requires multiple steps and baking techniques. Some baking experience is recommended to manage different layers and techniques.

• Is this dessert good for make-ahead preparation?

Absolutely. You can prepare the cheesecake and cake layers a day in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and assemble the final cake when ready to serve.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent strawberry shortcake cheesecake merges classic dessert favorites into one irresistible creation. Creamy cheesecake layers nestle between buttery shortcake crumbles, promising sweet satisfaction with each luxurious bite for passionate dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) crushed golden oreos
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare the cheesecake foundation by combining softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, whisking until silky and uniform.
2. Gently incorporate eggs and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, luxurious batter.
3. Transfer the creamy mixture into a parchment-lined springform pan, ensuring even distribution.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F, watching carefully until the center sets with a gentle wobble, approximately 35-40 minutes.
5. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate to firm up its delicate texture.
6. For the cake layers, sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a separate mixing bowl.
7. Cream room-temperature butter with sugar until light and fluffy, creating a voluminous base.
8. Introduce eggs individually, beating well after each addition to maintain a consistent emulsion.
9. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, folding gently to preserve the batter’s airiness, then incorporate vanilla extract.
10. Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, spreading smoothly to ensure uniform baking.
11. Bake at 350°F until a toothpick emerges clean, approximately 25-30 minutes.
12. Create the strawberry crunch topping by pulverizing Oreo cookies, blending with melted butter and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
13. Once all components have cooled, position the first cake layer on a decorative serving plate.
14. Apply a thin layer of frosting as a delicate binding agent between layers.
15. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer atop the first cake layer.
16. Crown with the second cake layer, then generously frost the entire exterior.
17. Meticulously press the strawberry crunch mixture onto the cake’s sides and top, creating a textural masterpiece.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing to achieve a silky cheesecake texture.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in the crunch topping.
• Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense fruit flavor without adding extra moisture to the topping.
• Chill the cheesecake layer completely before assembly to prevent structural collapse and maintain clean layers.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg