Dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a delightful strawberry shortcake cheesecake brings pure joy to dessert enthusiasts searching for something extraordinary.

Sweet strawberries dance with creamy cheese in this decadent creation.

Layers of velvety goodness promise an unforgettable culinary experience that blends classic comfort with modern innovation.

Soft, crumbly shortcake perfectly complements the rich, tangy cheesecake base.

Summer’s freshest berries add vibrant color and natural sweetness to each incredible slice.

Imagine cutting through delicate layers that melt effortlessly on your fork.

You’ll find this recipe irresistibly simple yet spectacularly impressive for any gathering.

One bite will transport you to dessert paradise, inspiring you to become the ultimate sweet sensation in your kitchen.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Is a Favorite

• Elevate Dessert Game: Transform the classic strawberry shortcake into a luxurious cheesecake that impresses guests and satisfies serious sweet tooth cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different fruits or using alternative cookie types for the crust to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, summer gatherings, or potlucks where you want to create a memorable dessert experience.
• Layer of Texture Delight: Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy shortcake crumble, and fresh strawberry slices that provide multiple sensory experiences in every bite.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: A sweet, crisp base that provides a delightful texture and classic flavor for the cheesecake crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich, creamy flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust become golden brown.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, rich, and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help the cheesecake set with a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Provides extra moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a lighter, more luxurious texture in the filling.
• Strawberry Puree: Infuses the cheesecake with a fresh, fruity strawberry flavor.

• Whipped Cream, Fresh Strawberry Slices: Add a light, fresh finish to the rich cheesecake.
• Vanilla Wafers, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Create a crunchy, flavorful shortcake crumble topping.
• Butter: Helps bind the shortcake crumble together.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Buttery Cookie Base

Grab your springform pan and get ready to build a delicious foundation. Crush vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs.

Melt butter until smooth and golden. Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a compact layer. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325F and bake for 10 minutes.

Let the crust cool completely while you prepare the next layer.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth.

Gradually add sugar and blend until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Crack eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Heavy cream

Gently fold in vibrant strawberry puree, creating beautiful swirls of pink throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Bake to Cheesecake Perfection

Pour the luscious filling over the cooled cookie crust.

Place the pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water to create a water bath. Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The center should look almost set but have a gentle jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest for one hour.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Strawberry Topping

Combine crushed vanilla wafers with freeze-dried strawberry pieces.

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated and crumbly.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Spread a cloud of whipped cream across the chilled cheesecake.

Sprinkle the strawberry-cookie crumble generously on top. Arrange fresh strawberry slices as a beautiful finishing touch.

Slice and serve this decadent dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and strawberry shortcake.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Use room temperature ingredients and mix gently to avoid overmixing, which can cause cheesecake surface cracks.
• Wrap springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water leakage and ensure even, gentle baking for smooth texture.
• Use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries for intense fruit taste without adding extra moisture to the cheesecake.
• Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for perfectly smooth cheesecake slices.
• Toast vanilla wafer crumbs briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and crisp texture.

Variations to Try on Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Shortcake Cheesecake: Replace vanilla wafer cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based crust. Use gluten-free vanilla extract and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Berry Cheesecake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace eggs with cornstarch and aquafaba. Choose plant-based butter for the crust and crumble.
• Low-Carb Berry Cheesecake: Swap vanilla wafers with crushed almonds or pecans. Use erythritol or stevia instead of sugar. Replace flour-based ingredients with almond flour. Incorporate sugar-free strawberry puree for reduced carbohydrate content.

What Goes Well with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Complement the dessert’s sweet and creamy profile with a light, fruity rosé that echoes the strawberry notes and cuts through the richness.

Add a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the cheesecake to enhance the dessert’s creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.

Brew a delicate chamomile tea to balance the sweetness, offering a subtle floral undertone that harmonizes with the strawberry and vanilla flavors.

Cleanse the palate with a zesty mint sorbet that provides a cool, crisp finish and helps refresh the taste buds between bites of the decadent cheesecake.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly.
• Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheesecake to reach a creamy, smooth texture and enhance its flavors.

FAQs

• Why use a water bath when baking cheesecake?

A water bath helps prevent cracks by creating a moist, even heating environment and stops the cheesecake from drying out or overcooking around the edges.

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries in the crumble?

Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will make the crumble soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor and crisp texture without adding extra liquid.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The center should be slightly jiggly but set, like soft jello. When you gently shake the pan, it should wobble in the middle but not look liquid or wave-like.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent strawberry shortcake cheesecake blends creamy cheesecake layers with sweet, crumbly shortcake and fresh strawberries. Rich flavors and textures dance together, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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Strawberry Base and Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Crust:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation by combining crushed vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter and sugar, ensuring a uniform mixture.
2. Transfer the crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact base.
3. Bake the crust at 325F for 10 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden, crisp texture, then set aside to cool completely.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, gently mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
6. Enhance the mixture with vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
7. Gently fold strawberry puree into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled, pink-tinged filling.
8. Carefully pour the filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even, level surface.
9. Situate the cheesecake in a water bath and bake at 325F for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center indicating perfect doneness.
10. Switch off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to gradually cool for one hour.
11. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal setting.
12. Prepare the shortcake crumble by combining crushed vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries.
13. Bind the crumble ingredients with melted butter, creating a textured, crumbly topping.
14. Once fully chilled, generously spread whipped cream across the cheesecake’s surface.
15. Sprinkle the prepared shortcake crumble over the cream layer for added crunch and flavor.
16. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Prevent cracks by using a water bath and avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter, which can incorporate too much air and cause splitting during baking.
• Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
• Enhance strawberry flavor by using high-quality freeze-dried strawberry powder or adding a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur to intensify the fruity notes.
• Cool the cheesecake gradually to maintain its creamy texture, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause surface cracks or uneven setting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg