There are desserts, and then there’s Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake—a dreamy combination of velvety cheesecake, buttery shortcake crumbs, and juicy, sweet strawberries. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a showstopper, a conversation starter, and, let’s be honest, the kind of treat that makes people ask, “Where did you get this recipe?!” Trust me, you’re going to love every single bite.

From the first forkful, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the light, crumbly goodness of shortcake. The strawberry topping? It adds the perfect touch of fresh, fruity sweetness that ties it all together. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, crushed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup strawberry puree (blended fresh strawberries); 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed; ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup whipped cream; ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or even as a weekend treat. It’s a dessert that works for any occasion and always feels special.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create this masterpiece. Everything is simple, accessible, and totally worth it.

Quick and Easy

While it may look like something straight out of a bakery, this cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make. A little prep work, some chill time, and voilà!

Customizable

Want to switch up the flavors? Add a chocolate drizzle, swap in different berries, or even experiment with a flavored crust—there’s so much room for creativity.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this cheesecake—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is absolutely unforgettable. Let’s break it down:

Graham Cracker Crust

The perfect crunchy base that complements the creamy cheesecake layer. A mix of graham crackers and butter creates that classic, buttery crunch.

Cream Cheese

The heart of any good cheesecake. Soft, smooth, and rich, it provides the perfect texture for this dreamy dessert.

Sugar

A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and enhance the strawberry flavor.

Eggs

Essential for structure, giving the cheesecake its perfect, slightly dense but still creamy texture.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making every bite more delicious.

Sour Cream

This secret ingredient gives the cheesecake a silky smooth consistency and an extra boost of flavor.

Fresh Strawberries

Juicy, vibrant, and sweet, strawberries are the star of this dessert. They add freshness and a pop of color that makes this cheesecake irresistible.

Shortcake Crumble

The finishing touch! A mix of buttery crumbles with a hint of vanilla and strawberry flavor for that nostalgic shortcake taste.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to the perfect temperature. This ensures even baking and gives your cheesecake the ideal texture.

Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a solid base. Chill while you prepare the filling.

Mix the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until fully combined and silky.

Pour and Bake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly. Bake until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours.

Prepare the Shortcake Crumble

Mix flour, sugar, butter, and strawberry gelatin powder until crumbly. Toast in the oven until golden and slightly crispy.

Assemble the Cheesecake

Spread a layer of fresh strawberries over the chilled cheesecake, then sprinkle generously with the shortcake crumble for the ultimate finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy! Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crumbly, and fruity goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10

Calories per serving: 350

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and chilling)

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This cheesecake is pure indulgence on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few serving ideas:

Top with whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries for a stunning presentation
Drizzle with a homemade strawberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor
Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience

Additional Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
Don’t overmix the eggs; this helps avoid cracks in the cheesecake
Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent sinking
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best texture
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

What if my cheesecake cracks? No worries! Just cover it with strawberries and crumble—no one will notice.

Can I use a different type of crust? Sure! Try an Oreo or vanilla wafer crust for a twist.

How do I know when my cheesecake is done baking? It should be set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center.

Can I freeze this cheesecake? Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to slice cheesecake neatly? Use a hot knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Do I have to use sour cream? You can substitute Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

How long should I let the cheesecake cool before refrigerating? Let it cool to room temperature before chilling for at least 4 hours.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels like a little slice of heaven. It’s creamy, crumbly, sweet, and fresh all at once—basically everything you want in a dessert. Whether you’re making it for a party, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something incredible, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A luscious and creamy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake that combines the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with rich, velvety cheesecake. Featuring a buttery cookie crust, a smooth strawberry-infused cheesecake filling, and a crunchy shortcake crumble topping, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave something indulgent.

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix crushed vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Fold in the strawberry puree until well combined.
- Pour over the crust and smooth the top.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the cheesecake in a water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it cool for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Shortcake Crumble:
- Mix crushed vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Stir in melted butter until combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the shortcake crumble on top.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Serve and Enjoy!

Notes

For a more intense strawberry flavor, add 1 tbsp of strawberry extract to the filling.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for the best texture.