Imagine the fluffy nostalgia of strawberry shortcake meeting the creamy richness of cheesecake, all in one jaw-dropping dessert. That’s exactly what you get with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe. This show-stopping treat is loaded with layers of soft strawberry cake, velvety cheesecake, and an irresistible strawberry crunch topping that’s guaranteed to spark cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this dessert turns even ordinary days into something a little bit magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe so unforgettable is its brilliant harmony of simple, familiar ingredients. Each element – from the buttery crust to the strawberry-infused topping – plays a vital role in delivering a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Golden Oreo crumbs: Adds a sweet, buttery crunch as your decadent base.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together while giving it a rich flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates the silky-smooth foundation for your cheesecake layer; make sure it’s room temp for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the cheesecake without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large eggs: Give your cheesecake body and help everything set to perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the cake and the creamy layers with fragrant warmth.
- Sour cream: Adds that signature tang and ultra-creamy texture to your cheesecake.
- All-purpose flour: Just a spoonful helps thicken the cheesecake and sets it up nicely.
- Strawberry cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed): Ensures a perfectly pink and moist shortcake layer with minimal fuss.
- Heavy cream: Whips up into a dreamy, cloud-like topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped topping and helps stabilize it.
- Golden Oreo crumbs (for crunch): Mixes with strawberries and butter for that nostalgic strawberry crunch topping.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed): Delivers a punch of real strawberry flavor and beautiful color to your topping.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): They make finishing touches extra special and deliciously fresh.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Golden Oreo Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. Combine 2 cups of Golden Oreo crumbs with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, pressing the mixture evenly across the pan base. This step creates that sinfully good, sweet, and slightly salty crunch every incredible cheesecake needs. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Bake the Strawberry Cake Layer
Prepare your box of strawberry cake mix according to the package directions (don’t forget eggs, oil, and water), then pour the batter into a separate 9-inch round cake pan. Bake according to the package instructions and let it cool completely. This layer lends a light, bakery-style flavor and that iconic strawberry shortcake color.
Step 3: Mix and Bake the Cheesecake Layer
While your cake cools, let’s create the star of this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe — the luscious cheesecake! In a large bowl, beat 24 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until creamy and totally smooth. Add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons flour, mixing just until combined. Pour this dreamy batter onto the cooled crust and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until only the very center jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and let it cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
Step 4: Chill the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is baked and rested, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This patience pays off with a perfectly set, ultra-creamy texture that holds its shape during assembly and slicing.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
For that signature strawberry crunch, combine 1 cup Golden Oreo crumbs, 1/2 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a bowl. Toss until crumbly and evenly coated. This blend brings back beloved childhood memories and adds an irresistible pop of color and crunch.
Step 6: Whip the Topping
Right before assembling, beat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Spreadable, fluffy, and gently sweet, this topping will put store-bought whipped cream to shame!
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate
Now, let’s stack! Place the cooled strawberry cake layer on your serving platter. Gently transfer the chilled cheesecake (run a knife around the edge if needed) and set it right on top of the cake. Spread the whipped cream topping over the cheesecake layer, then shower the top generously with your homemade strawberry crunch. Add fresh strawberries as the grand finale if you like.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe with handfuls of strawberry crunch topping and a crown of freshly sliced strawberries. For an elegant twist, add a few whole strawberries with their green tops left on, or delicately pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edge. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes every slice look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the cheesecake with something simple and fresh, like a bowl of mixed berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a light citrus salad. For coffee lovers, a hot espresso or a cold brew is dreamy alongside each decadent bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Convert this showstopper into individual mini cheesecakes using a muffin tin for a party-friendly treat. Or, layer slices in a pretty glass trifle dish for a fun and eye-catching dessert table centerpiece. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle a little white chocolate or strawberry sauce over each slice just before serving for extra wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they meld, so don’t hesitate to indulge the next day!
Freezing
This cake actually freezes very well! For best results, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for perfect texture and taste.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen your cake, allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temp for about 20 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy bite.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute gluten-free sandwich cookies for the Golden Oreos in both the crust and crunch toppings, and use a gluten-free strawberry cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for special diets.
Can I use fresh strawberries in the crunch topping?
It’s best to stick with freeze-dried strawberries—they provide that nostalgic crunch and intense strawberry flavor without making the topping soggy. Fresh strawberries are perfect for garnishing, though!
My cheesecake cracked. What can I do?
Don’t stress—a few cracks are totally normal and will be hidden by the whipped topping and strawberry crunch. To prevent cracks, avoid over-mixing the batter and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven as directed.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare all components a day ahead—bake the cake and cheesecake layers, cool thoroughly, and even make the whipped cream and crunch topping. Just assemble everything shortly before serving for freshest flavor and best texture.
How do I get perfect slices?
For clean, sharp slices, dip a large knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This method makes each layer stand out beautifully on the plate, especially when sharing at a celebration!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress (or simply spoil yourself), Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe delivers every time. Its luscious layers, nostalgic crunch, and delightful strawberry flavor are made for sharing with family and friends. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give this recipe a try and let your kitchen become the happiest place on earth!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this decadent Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Layers of creamy cheesecake, moist strawberry cake, whipped cream, and a crunchy strawberry topping come together to create a show-stopping treat that will impress any guest.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups Golden Oreo crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the strawberry shortcake layer:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)
For the whipped topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup Golden Oreo crumbs
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Prepare crust: Mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter, press into the pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
- Make cake layer: Prepare strawberry cake mix as directed, bake separately, and let it cool.
- Cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs one at a time, mix in vanilla, sour cream, and flour. Pour over crust and bake.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool in the oven, then chill for at least 4 hours.
- Whipped topping and crunch: Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Make crunch topping.
- Assemble: Place cake layer on a plate, top with cheesecake, whipped cream, and crunch topping. Garnish with strawberries.
Notes
- You can bake the strawberry cake layer a day ahead to save time.
- Freeze-dried strawberries give the crunch topping an authentic strawberry shortcake flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
