Creamy & Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Introduction
Strawberry shortcake and cheesecake are both timeless desserts loved across generations. When you combine these two into one luscious creation, you get something truly unforgettable. Strawberry shortcake cheesecake is not just a dessert—it is a celebration of texture, taste, and color. The creamy layers of cheesecake blend perfectly with the light and fluffy shortcake base, and the sweet tang of fresh strawberries ties it all together. Whether you are making it for a family gathering, birthday, or a sweet weekend treat, this dessert is sure to wow your guests and satisfy any craving.
You do not need to be a pastry chef to create this masterpiece. With a little planning and simple ingredients, this cake is completely doable at home. The best part? You can prepare parts of it ahead of time to save effort on the final day. Let’s walk through everything you need to bring this elegant dessert to life.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 16 oz | 1600 |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 774 |
| Eggs | 3 large | 210 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | 480 |
| Fresh strawberries (chopped) | 2 cups | 100 |
| Shortcake mix or vanilla cake mix | 1 box | 1600 |
| Butter (unsalted, melted) | ½ cup | 810 |
| Whipped cream | 2 cups | 100 |
| Strawberry preserves or jam | ½ cup | 200 |
| Crushed vanilla wafers | 1 cup | 430 |
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Bake the Shortcake Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the shortcake or cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour it into a greased springform pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely. - Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs one at a time, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat until the mixture becomes velvety and lump-free. - Assemble the Cheesecake Layer
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled cake base in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F for about 50 minutes or until the center is almost set. - Cool and Chill
Turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. - Prepare the Topping
Spread a layer of strawberry preserves over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Add fresh chopped strawberries on top. - Add the Crunch
Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers evenly over the strawberries for texture and flavor. - Finish with Whipped Cream
Pipe or spread whipped cream around the edges or top of the cake as desired.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Use a graham cracker crust instead of shortcake if you want a firmer base.
Add a layer of sliced bananas between the cake and cheesecake for a fruity twist.
Use flavored whipped cream like vanilla bean or almond for extra depth.
For a holiday version, mix in crushed peppermint or drizzle with chocolate.
Lactose-free cream cheese and sour cream can be substituted for a lighter version.
Nutritional Information
Each slice (based on 12 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
These values may vary slightly based on the exact ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served chilled straight from the refrigerator. You can garnish with extra strawberries and mint leaves just before serving for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a cup of black coffee or iced latte for balance.
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Conclusion
Making a strawberry shortcake cheesecake at home may seem like a special-occasion project, but once you try it, you will want to make it again and again. It is a sweet reward with a rich texture, fruity brightness, and crowd-pleasing beauty. From the creamy filling to the vibrant topping and cookie crunch, every bite feels like comfort and celebration combined. Try it once, and it just might become your signature dessert.