Imagine sinking your fork into a luscious strawberry shortcake cheesecake, where the creaminess of cheesecake meets the lightness of fluffy cake, all crowned with sweet, juicy strawberries. The moment you take a bite, flavors burst in your mouth like fireworks on the Fourth of July, filling your senses with pure delight.
Now picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and laughter fills the air as friends gather around your table. You serve this incredible dessert, and their eyes widen with excitement. The combination of textures and tastes leaves everyone asking for seconds—no one can resist that creamy goodness paired with fresh berries. This strawberry shortcake cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of joy and indulgence that makes every occasion feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry shortcake cheesecake is effortless to make, perfect for any level of baker
- Its delightful flavor combines sweet strawberries with rich cheesecake and fluffy shortcake
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dessert table
- Ideal for summer gatherings or as a show-stopping birthday cake!
Every time I whip up this cheesecake, my family acts as if they’ve just won the lottery. Their delighted cheers remind me why I love baking so much!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are key here—choose ripe ones for maximum sweetness.
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Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for that rich and velvety texture.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the strawberries beautifully.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in this dreamy dessert.
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Shortcake Mix: Store-bought or homemade, it adds that delightful cake base effortlessly.
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Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream gives this cheesecake its airy lightness; don’t skimp on it!
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Butter: Melted butter will bind everything together perfectly while adding richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparing a strawberry shortcake cheesecake may seem daunting, but trust me; it’s easier than finding a parking spot at the mall during Christmas!
Prepare Your Shortcake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan well. Prepare your shortcake mix according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe.
Bake & Cool the Shortcake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely before assembling; we want no soggy bottoms here!
Create Your Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract for that aromatic kick—you’ll want to inhale deeply when doing this step!
Whip Creamy Goodness: In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the cream cheese mixture to create an airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Add Strawberries to Your Cheese Mixture: Fold in chopped fresh strawberries carefully so they don’t turn mushy. You want those beautiful pieces visible throughout!
Assemble & Chill Your Cheesecake: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cooled shortcake base, followed by another layer of chopped strawberries. Top with the remaining cream cheese mixture and smooth out evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can resist.
Now you’re just moments away from dessert bliss! When ready to serve, garnish with whipped cream and whole strawberries on top—you deserve all those Instagram likes!
And there you have it! A beautiful strawberry shortcake cheesecake ready to wow friends and family alike. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake with sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a delightful dessert fusion
- The contrast between the rich filling and light cake is heavenly, making it perfect for any occasion
- Serve chilled for the best flavor experience that will leave everyone wanting more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cheesecake filling first, then bake the crust while it cools. This sequence ensures optimal texture and flavor in your strawberry shortcake cheesecake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for your favorite berries or add a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing. These simple changes can elevate your dessert and surprise your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps; this creates a smooth filling
- Use fresh strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness; frozen ones can dilute the taste
- Allow the cheesecake to chill overnight for the best texture and flavor development
I remember the first time I made strawberry shortcake cheesecake; my friends devoured it so fast I barely got a slice! Their laughter and compliments were music to my ears, fueling my passion for baking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Frozen strawberries can work but may affect texture and flavor negatively.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Baking at a low temperature and avoiding overmixing helps prevent cracks.
What’s the best way to serve strawberry shortcake cheesecake?
Serve chilled with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices on top for added flair.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Strawberry shortcake cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and fluffy shortcake, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup shortcake mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the shortcake mix according to package instructions or use your favorite recipe.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold in chopped strawberries carefully to retain their shape.
- Spread half of the cream cheese filling over the cooled shortcake base, layer with additional strawberries, then top with remaining filling.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (112g)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
