Who’s ready for a dessert that’s part cheesecake, part shortcake, and 100% irresistible? This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the ultimate treat for strawberry lovers. Imagine a velvety, creamy cheesecake layered with sweet strawberry goodness, all nestled in a buttery crust and topped with that classic shortcake crunch. Every bite is pure magic—smooth, rich, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this one!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Versatile This beauty is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day that calls for a little indulgence.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients, so you don’t have to splurge to enjoy a gourmet dessert.
Quick and Easy While it looks fancy, it’s super simple to make! A few steps, a bit of patience, and you’ll have a showstopping cheesecake.
Customizable Swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mixed berry blend for a fun twist!
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist a creamy, fruity, crumbly masterpiece?
Ingredients
Ingredients in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
This dessert is made with layers of flavor and texture that work together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Graham Cracker Crust The foundation of any good cheesecake. Buttery, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Cream Cheese The heart of the cheesecake. Softened cream cheese gives it that smooth, creamy texture.
Sugar Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
Eggs Help bind everything together and give the cheesecake structure.
Vanilla Extract A little splash of vanilla enhances the flavors beautifully.
Strawberries Fresh, juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.
Whipped Cream Light and airy, perfect for topping and adding extra decadence.
Shortcake Crumble The final touch! A buttery, sweet crumble that gives this cheesecake its signature shortcake flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. A properly heated oven ensures even baking and a smooth, crack-free cheesecake.
Prepare the Crust Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, then press it firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can create air bubbles that lead to cracks!
Layer the Strawberries Spread a thin layer of sliced strawberries over the crust before adding the cheesecake filling. This gives every bite a juicy strawberry surprise.
Bake to Perfection Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is just set. Let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!).
Make the Shortcake Crumble Combine crushed shortbread cookies with a bit of sugar and melted butter, then toast it lightly in the oven for a golden crunch.
Top and Serve Spread whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake, then generously sprinkle with the shortcake crumble and fresh strawberries. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Calories per serving: Approx. 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
This dreamy cheesecake shines on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try these serving ideas:
- Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce Extra berry goodness never hurts!
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream Vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes it even more decadent.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar A light sprinkle adds a pretty finishing touch.
- Pair with a Cup of Coffee or Tea The perfect match for a cozy dessert moment.
Additional Tips
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients This helps everything blend smoothly, avoiding lumps in the batter.
- Don’t Overbake The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
- Chill Thoroughly This cheesecake tastes best after a full night in the fridge—it lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cut Clean Slices Wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts for neat, picture-perfect slices.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day after chilling.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. My cheesecake cracked! What went wrong?
Overmixing, sudden temperature changes, or overbaking can cause cracks. Don’t worry—it’ll still taste amazing!
6. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Press it down firmly and bake it before adding the filling to create a solid base.
7. Can I use a different crust?
Yes! A shortbread cookie crust or vanilla wafer crust would be delicious alternatives.
8. Do I need a water bath?
A water bath can help prevent cracks, but it’s optional. Just be sure not to overbake!
9. Can I make mini cheesecakes instead?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.
10. What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A deep pie dish can work, but removing slices may be trickier. Lining it with parchment paper can help!
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and crumbly goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus at least 4 hours of chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful fusion of two classic desserts, this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping with hints of vanilla. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings and promises a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for macerating strawberries)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream (optional):
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove and let cool.
-
Make the Filling:
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
-
Bake:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
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Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Allow to macerate for 15-20 minutes.
- For extra flair, lightly whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Spread the macerated strawberries evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
- Dollop or pipe whipped cream over the top if desired.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- The cheesecake can be made a day ahead, making it a great make-ahead dessert for parties
- Customize by adding a strawberry sauce or extra fresh berries on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (~100g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 30 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg