Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake 🍓🍰
A dreamy fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic strawberry shortcake, layered with fresh strawberries, vanilla sponge cake, and whipped cream. Perfect for summer parties or anytime you crave a fruity, decadent dessert!
Prep Time: 30 mins | Bake Time: 50 mins | Chill Time: 4+ hrs | Total Time: 5 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layer:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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⅓ cup whole milk
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
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⅔ cup sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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2 tbsp sugar (or honey)
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
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Extra strawberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Cake Layer:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
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Spread batter into the pan and bake 15-18 mins until golden. Let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
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Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream.
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Pour over the cooled cake layer. Wrap the pan in foil (to prevent water seepage) and place in a water bath.
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Bake 40-45 mins until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool 1 hour inside.
3. Prep Strawberry Topping:
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Toss strawberries with sugar and lemon juice; let sit 15 mins to macerate.
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Drain excess juice (save for drizzling!).
4. Assemble & Chill:
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Once cheesecake is fully cooled, spread whipped cream over the top.
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Arrange strawberries on top. Chill 4+ hours (or overnight) before slicing.
🍓 Pro Tips
✔ No water bath? Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-55 mins (may crack slightly).
✔ Shortcut: Use a store-bought sponge cake for the base.
✔ Extra flair: Drizzle with strawberry glaze or melted white chocolate.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Two desserts in one—cheesecake + strawberry shortcake!
✅ Make-ahead friendly—tastes even better the next day.
✅ Stunning presentation—ideal for celebrations.
Warning: You’ll get requests for this at every gathering! 😍
Thoughts? Would you add a graham cracker crust layer too? Let me know! 👇