Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake perfectly combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, fruity flavors of strawberry shortcake. This delightful dessert is incredibly appealing, making it an irresistible treat for gatherings, celebrations, or any day you crave something sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is not just another dessert; it’s an experience packed with flavor and texture. The creamy cheesecake layer pairs beautifully with a fresh strawberry topping, while the crumbly crust adds a satisfying crunch. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet strawberries, rich creaminess, and a hint of buttery deliciousness. Plus, this cheesecake is relatively easy to make, making it a great option for both novice and experienced bakers.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or Golden Oreos, crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or whipped cream)
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 20 Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies, crushed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder (dry)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Golden Oreos), sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
4. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, gently beating after each addition until just incorporated.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is slightly wobbly. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow it to set.
6. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, then stir in the cold water. Chill until slightly thickened but not fully set, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
7. Gently fold the whipped topping and chopped strawberries into the gelatin mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
8. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the strawberry layer.
9. Mix crushed cookies with melted butter and dry strawberry gelatin powder until the crumbs are evenly coated and vibrant in color.
10. Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream topping.
11. Chill the assembled dessert until ready to serve. Before serving, run a knife around the edge to release from the pan, slice, and enjoy.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Serve your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake chilled, directly from the fridge. It makes an excellent centerpiece for any dessert table. You may also garnish each slice with additional fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing sparkling beverage.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

To store your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It typically lasts for about 4 to 5 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you might consider freezing it. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly and store it for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Perfect

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
2. Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking. It’s okay for the center to be slightly wobbly when you take it out of the oven.
3. Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample time for chilling after making the cheesecake. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
4. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the whipped cream or the cheesecake layer to fit your taste.

Flavor Variations

While this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is delicious as is, you can easily make variations:

1. Mixed Berries: Substitute or mix in other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity twist.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the whipped topping for chocolate lovers.
3. Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a refreshing citrus note.
4. Nutty Crust: Substitute part of the graham cracker crumbs with ground nuts for an added crunch.

Pro Tips for Success

• Avoid Cracking: Prevent cracks in your cheesecake by baking it in a water bath (bain-marie) for even heat distribution.
• Leave Room for Expansion: Don’t fill the cheesecake batter all the way to the top of the springform pan to allow for expansion while baking.
• Using Fresh Strawberries: Make sure to rinse and dry your strawberries thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the dessert.

FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this cheesecake?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture might be slightly less creamy than using full-fat cream cheese. Be sure to soften it properly for the best results.

How long does this cheesecake need to chill before serving?

It is best to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours after baking. For the best flavor and texture, overnight chilling is even better.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unassembled cheesecake before adding the topping or after it’s fully assembled. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making this cheesecake is easy and rewarding. Enjoy the freshness of strawberries enveloped in creamy cheesecake goodness!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

A delightful blend of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries, ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or Golden Oreos, crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure it's at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or whipped cream)
• 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble

• 20 pieces Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies, crushed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin powder (dry)

Method

 

Preparation of Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Golden Oreos), sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.

Preparation of Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
2. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, gently beating after each addition until just incorporated.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is slightly wobbly.
5. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow it to set.

Preparation of Strawberry Topping

1. Dissolve the strawberry gelatin powder in boiling water, then stir in the cold water. Chill until slightly thickened but not fully set, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Gently fold the whipped topping and chopped strawberries into the gelatin mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.
3. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.

Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread evenly over the strawberry layer.

Assembly and Final Steps

1. Mix crushed cookies with melted butter and dry strawberry gelatin powder until the crumbs are evenly coated and vibrant in color.
2. Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream topping.
3. Chill the assembled dessert until ready to serve. Before serving, run a knife around the edge to release from the pan, slice, and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30g

Notes

Serve chilled, garnished with additional strawberries or whipped cream. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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