Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

 

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy. Fruity. Buttery. Sweet. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that stops conversations. A true showstopper that blends three iconic desserts into one: traditional cheesecake, classic strawberry shortcake, and that nostalgic ice cream truck strawberry crumble topping.

Let’s walk through everything—from the crust to the topping—in full detail. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to make a stunning Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake from scratch, but you’ll also understand why each component is essential and how to tweak it to your own style.

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✨ What is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?

It’s a layered dessert that combines the best of three worlds:

1. Creamy baked cheesecake at the center

2. Moist vanilla or shortcake-style sponge cake as the base and/or top

3. Sweet strawberry crunch topping, made from crushed cookies and freeze-dried strawberries

4. Often finished with whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh berries

It’s rich, yet light in flavor. Fruity and decadent. A harmonious marriage of textures: crunchy, soft, creamy, and crumbly.

---

🧾 Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each component of the dessert.

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🔸 For the Shortcake Sponge (Base and Optional Top Layer)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

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🔸 For the Cheesecake Layer

• 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to stabilize)

• Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest (for a bright tang)

---

🔸 For the Strawberry Crunch Topping

• 1 ½ cups golden Oreo cookies (about 18 cookies)

• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry Jell-O powder as an alternative)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• Optional: 2 tbsp white cake mix (for extra "cakey" crunch)

---

🔸 For Strawberry Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

---

🔸 For Garnish & Assembly

• Whipped cream

• Fresh strawberries, halved or sliced

• Extra crunch topping

---

🥄 Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch springform pan

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Parchment paper

• Food processor or zip-top bag for crunch topping

• Mixing bowls, spatulas, and measuring tools

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare the Shortcake Sponge

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or use the base of the springform pan) with parchment.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

7. Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Let it cool completely before assembling the cheesecake.

Tip: For a double-layer effect, make two shortcake layers. Use one as the base and the other on top of the cheesecake.

---

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Lower oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

2. Wrap the outside of your springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth (no lumps!).

4. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Scrape down sides often.

5. Mix in sour cream and vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Finally, add flour (and lemon zest if using).

6. Do not overmix. Air bubbles can lead to cracks.

7. Pour batter over your pre-baked (and cooled) shortcake base in the springform pan.

8. Place the pan into a larger baking dish filled with about 1 inch of hot water (this is a water bath to help prevent cracks).

9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

10. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar.

11. Remove from the oven and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

---

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. In a food processor, pulse golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until coarse crumbs form.

2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in melted butter (and cake mix if using).

3. Set aside. You’ll sprinkle this generously on top and around the sides.

Alternative: No freeze-dried strawberries? Use strawberry-flavored gelatin powder instead for the same vibrant color and taste.

---

Step 4: Prepare Strawberry Sauce (Optional)

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

2. Simmer over medium heat until strawberries break down (about 10 minutes).

3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 more minutes until thickened.

4. Cool and chill. Drizzle over cheesecake when serving.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Once cheesecake is chilled and firm, remove from springform pan carefully.

2. If you baked a second shortcake layer, place it gently on top of the cheesecake now.

3. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream or frosting over the entire top and sides—this acts as glue for the crumble.

4. Press the strawberry crunch mixture onto the top and sides until fully covered.

5. Garnish with fresh whipped cream swirls, strawberry sauce drizzle, and fresh strawberries.

---

🕒 Storage Tips

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

---

🎂 Flavor Variations & Ideas

Want to customize your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? Try these twists:

Variation	Swap or Add
Chocolate Strawberry	Use chocolate cookies instead of golden Oreos
Lemon Berry	Add lemon zest to cake & cheesecake layers
No-Bake Cheesecake	Use gelatin & whipped cream instead of baking
Vegan/Dairy-Free	Use plant-based yogurt, vegan cream cheese
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free cookies and flour

---

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Room temperature ingredients: Prevents curdling and ensures smooth batter.

• Water bath: Essential for even baking and preventing cracks.

• Don't overmix: Keep your cheesecake batter just combined to avoid too much air.

• Let it chill: Cheesecake tastes better the next day after resting overnight.

---

📝 Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and celebratory all at once. It’s not only beautiful to look at—with its bright pink crunch and glossy berries—but every layer tells a story:

• The base: nostalgic, buttery shortcake

• The center: creamy, velvety cheesecake

• The top: crunchy, sweet strawberry bliss

Whether you're making it for a birthday, a family get-together, a baby shower, or just because you love strawberries, this cheesecake has the power to impress and satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.

---

📌 Printable Recipe Summary

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Shortcake sponge (1 layer or 2)

• Cream cheese filling

• Strawberry crunch topping

• Optional strawberry sauce & whipped cream

Steps:

1. Bake shortcake layer(s) and cool.

2. Make cheesecake filling and bake over the shortcake in a water bath.

3. Chill completely.

4. Cover sides and top with whipped cream and strawberry crumble.

5. Garnish with strawberries and sauce.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Chill Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: ~6 hours

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy. Fruity. Buttery. Sweet. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that stops conversations. A true showstopper that blends three iconic desserts into one: traditional cheesecake, classic strawberry shortcake, and that nostalgic ice cream truck strawberry crumble topping.

Let’s walk through everything—from the crust to the topping—in full detail. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to make a stunning Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake from scratch, but you’ll also understand why each component is essential and how to tweak it to your own style.

---

✨ What is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?

It’s a layered dessert that combines the best of three worlds:

1. Creamy baked cheesecake at the center

2. Moist vanilla or shortcake-style sponge cake as the base and/or top

3. Sweet strawberry crunch topping, made from crushed cookies and freeze-dried strawberries

4. Often finished with whipped cream, strawberry sauce, and fresh berries

It’s rich, yet light in flavor. Fruity and decadent. A harmonious marriage of textures: crunchy, soft, creamy, and crumbly.

---

🧾 Ingredients Overview

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each component of the dessert.

---

🔸 For the Shortcake Sponge (Base and Optional Top Layer)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup whole milk, room temperature

---

🔸 For the Cheesecake Layer

• 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to stabilize)

• Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest (for a bright tang)

---

🔸 For the Strawberry Crunch Topping

• 1 ½ cups golden Oreo cookies (about 18 cookies)

• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry Jell-O powder as an alternative)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• Optional: 2 tbsp white cake mix (for extra "cakey" crunch)

---

🔸 For Strawberry Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)

---

🔸 For Garnish & Assembly

• Whipped cream

• Fresh strawberries, halved or sliced

• Extra crunch topping

---

🥄 Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch springform pan

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Parchment paper

• Food processor or zip-top bag for crunch topping

• Mixing bowls, spatulas, and measuring tools

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

---

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcake Sponge

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or use the base of the springform pan) with parchment.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

7. Pour batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Let it cool completely before assembling the cheesecake.

Tip: For a double-layer effect, make two shortcake layers. Use one as the base and the other on top of the cheesecake.

---

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Lower oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

2. Wrap the outside of your springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth (no lumps!).

4. Add sugar and mix until creamy. Scrape down sides often.

5. Mix in sour cream and vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Finally, add flour (and lemon zest if using).

6. Do not overmix. Air bubbles can lead to cracks.

7. Pour batter over your pre-baked (and cooled) shortcake base in the springform pan.

8. Place the pan into a larger baking dish filled with about 1 inch of hot water (this is a water bath to help prevent cracks).

9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

10. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar.

11. Remove from the oven and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

---

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. In a food processor, pulse golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until coarse crumbs form.

2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in melted butter (and cake mix if using).

3. Set aside. You’ll sprinkle this generously on top and around the sides.

Alternative: No freeze-dried strawberries? Use strawberry-flavored gelatin powder instead for the same vibrant color and taste.

---

Step 4: Prepare Strawberry Sauce (Optional)

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

2. Simmer over medium heat until strawberries break down (about 10 minutes).

3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 more minutes until thickened.

4. Cool and chill. Drizzle over cheesecake when serving.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Once cheesecake is chilled and firm, remove from springform pan carefully.

2. If you baked a second shortcake layer, place it gently on top of the cheesecake now.

3. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream or frosting over the entire top and sides—this acts as glue for the crumble.

4. Press the strawberry crunch mixture onto the top and sides until fully covered.

5. Garnish with fresh whipped cream swirls, strawberry sauce drizzle, and fresh strawberries.

---

🕒 Storage Tips

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

---

🎂 Flavor Variations & Ideas

Want to customize your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? Try these twists:

Variation	Swap or Add
Chocolate Strawberry	Use chocolate cookies instead of golden Oreos
Lemon Berry	Add lemon zest to cake & cheesecake layers
No-Bake Cheesecake	Use gelatin & whipped cream instead of baking
Vegan/Dairy-Free	Use plant-based yogurt, vegan cream cheese
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free cookies and flour

---

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Room temperature ingredients: Prevents curdling and ensures smooth batter.

• Water bath: Essential for even baking and preventing cracks.

• Don't overmix: Keep your cheesecake batter just combined to avoid too much air.

• Let it chill: Cheesecake tastes better the next day after resting overnight.

---

📝 Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels nostalgic, indulgent, and celebratory all at once. It’s not only beautiful to look at—with its bright pink crunch and glossy berries—but every layer tells a story:

• The base: nostalgic, buttery shortcake

• The center: creamy, velvety cheesecake

• The top: crunchy, sweet strawberry bliss

Whether you're making it for a birthday, a family get-together, a baby shower, or just because you love strawberries, this cheesecake has the power to impress and satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.

---

📌 Printable Recipe Summary

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• Shortcake sponge (1 layer or 2)

• Cream cheese filling

• Strawberry crunch topping

• Optional strawberry sauce & whipped cream

Steps:

1. Bake shortcake layer(s) and cool.

2. Make cheesecake filling and bake over the shortcake in a water bath.

3. Chill completely.

4. Cover sides and top with whipped cream and strawberry crumble.

5. Garnish with strawberries and sauce.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Chill Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: ~6 hours