There’s nothing quite like a slice of strawberry shortcake cheesecake to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine creamy cheesecake layered with luscious strawberries, all sitting atop a delectable shortcake crust. This dessert is a celebration of summer, love, and everything sweet in life, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply treating yourself after a long day, this strawberry shortcake cheesecake will elevate your dessert game. It’s rich yet light, sweet but not overly so; basically, it’s the dessert equivalent of that friend who knows how to balance fun and seriousness perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry shortcake cheesecake is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginners
- The flavor is a delightful mix of tangy and sweet that will leave everyone wanting more
- Its stunning presentation makes it the star of any gathering
- Enjoy it at summer picnics or cozy family dinners with ease
I remember the first time I made this dessert; my friends were practically licking the plate clean! The smiles on their faces told me I had struck gold in the dessert department.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Crackers: These are your base for that crumbly crust; opt for finely crushed ones for better texture.
Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter to bind your crust together perfectly; don’t skimp on quality!
Philadelphia Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and velvety creaminess.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a lovely tanginess that balances out the sweetness nicely.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile; always go for pure when possible.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for juiciness and flavor; they’ll be your beautiful garnish too!
Whipped Cream: For topping! Homemade whipped cream takes it over the top but store-bought works too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter until moistened. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring it’s evenly packed.
Bake the Base: Place your crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Create the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until well incorporated and fluffy.
Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. This step adds layers of flavor that will keep everyone guessing!
Add Your Strawberries: Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries into your cheesecake mixture. Their natural sweetness will shine through beautifully throughout the cake.
Assemble and Bake Again: Pour your cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Smooth out the top before placing it back in the oven for about 50-60 minutes until set yet slightly jiggly in the center.
Let this scrumptious strawberry shortcake cheesecake cool down at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can resist!
This dessert isn’t just delicious; it’s also visually stunning! The vibrant red strawberries against that creamy backdrop create an eye-catching masterpiece that demands attention on any table. So go ahead, slice into this beauty and prepare for some serious compliments from family and friends!
Now you’re all set to wow everyone with this delightful strawberry shortcake cheesecake! Enjoy every creamy bite while soaking up all those happy vibes around you. Trust me; they’ll keep coming back for more!
You Must Know
- The strawberry shortcake cheesecake is a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and fruity shortcake
- The vibrant strawberries add a fresh burst of flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Plus, it’s an impressive dessert that will wow your guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while the cream cheese warms up to room temperature. This ensures a smooth filling and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for any berries you adore, or mix in some lemon zest for added zing. Your cheesecake, your rules!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best texture, enjoy chilled rather than reheated.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a silky filling; cold cream cheese can cause lumps
- When slicing, use a hot knife for clean cuts
- Always let the cheesecake cool completely before serving to enhance its flavor and texture
When I first made this strawberry shortcake cheesecake, my family devoured it before I could snap a picture! Their smiles were my favorite feedback—totally worth every minute spent mixing.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry shortcake cheesecake?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.
How long does the strawberry shortcake cheesecake last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about three days when stored properly.
Can I substitute gluten-free ingredients?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust without compromising flavor.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Indulge in a slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, where creamy cheesecake meets luscious strawberries on a buttery shortcake crust. This delightful dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings, offering a balance of sweetness and tang that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare, this cheesecake not only tastes divine but also looks stunning, making it the star of any table.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes; allow to cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in sour cream and vanilla until fully combined.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
