Spring is in the air, and with it comes a craving for something sweet and satisfying—like a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake! Combining the velvety richness of cheesecake with the bright, juicy flavor of strawberries and a crunchy, buttery crust, this dessert is a game-changer for gatherings and cozy nights alike. What I love most about this easy recipe is that it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also gluten-free with simple swaps for those who need it. Plus, it’s an adaptable treat that lets you experiment with different fruits or flavors if you’re feeling adventurous. Ready to dive into this luscious layered dessert and impress your loved ones? Let’s bake some magic together! What makes this cheesecake unforgettable? Indulgent flavors abound in every bite, where the creaminess of the cheesecake meets the fresh juiciness of strawberries. Effortless to make, this recipe requires just a few simple steps, ensuring a stress-free kitchen experience. Versatile by nature, you can easily swap strawberries for your favorite berries or even try with a hint of almond extract for a unique twist. Perfectly balanced sweetness creates a dessert that’s not overpowering, making it ideal for any gathering. Gluten-free adaptability makes it friendly for various dietary needs, so everyone can enjoy this delicious treat! Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Ingredients • You won’t want to miss these! For the Crust Shortcake or Biscuit Crumbs – Provides the base structure and crunchy texture; feel free to substitute with graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs for a twist. Butter (melted) – Binds the crumb mixture together, resulting in a sturdy and flavorful crust. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – The main ingredient for cheesecake; make sure it’s softened to mix effortlessly into a creamy filling. Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the cheesecake. Eggs – Provide structure and stability; beat them in one at a time to ensure a smooth consistency. Sour Cream – Enhances the creaminess and adds depth of flavor to the cheesecake. Vanilla Extract – Imparts a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements the dessert. For the Strawberries Fresh Strawberries – Offers natural sweetness and a delightful burst of flavor; frozen strawberries can work too, just be sure to thaw and drain them well. Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor of the strawberries and balances their sweetness. With these carefully selected ingredients, your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is bound to be a delicious hit! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Step 1: Prepare the Crust Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed shortcake or biscuit crumbs with melted butter until well blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden, then let it cool completely. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is perfectly creamy and homogeneous, which will be the base for your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Step 3: Macerate Strawberries While your cheesecake filling is being prepared, slice the fresh strawberries and place them in a separate bowl. Toss the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, allowing them to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This process will enhance their natural sweetness and flavor, creating a delicious topping for your cheesecake. Step 4: Layer the Cheesecake Once your crust has cooled, pour half of the cheesecake filling over it, smoothing it out evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the macerated strawberries on top of the filling. Carefully layer the remaining cheesecake batter, then top with the rest of the strawberries, creating a beautiful and inviting Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Step 5: Bake Place the layered cheesecake in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly. This is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your luscious cheesecake. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Step 6: Cool and Chill After baking, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once it’s cool, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let it set perfectly. This cooling period is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 7: Serve When you’re ready to serve your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Top each slice with extra strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of mint for added freshness. Your beautifully layered cheesecake is now ready to be enjoyed, making any occasion extra special! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Fridge: Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and creamy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cheesecake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Serving After Freezing: Once thawed, if desired, refresh the cheesecake with a bit of whipped cream and extra strawberries on top for an appealing presentation. Reheating Tips: This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold. If necessary, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? Indulge in a medley of flavors and textures that perfectly complement your creamy, sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich, creamy goodness of the cheesecake. Whipped Cream: Fluffy and slightly sweet, it enhances the cheesecake’s texture and adds an elegant touch to each slice. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, ice cream draped on warm cheesecake creates a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. Mint Sprigs: Bright and aromatic, a few sprigs of fresh mint not only elevate the presentation but also offer a refreshing finish. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle this rich, velvety sauce over each slice for a decadent touch; the pairing of strawberries and chocolate is timeless. Chilled Sparkling Wine: A glass of bubbly adds sophistication to your dessert experience, enhancing the fruity notes of the strawberries. Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free twist, this tropical delight pairs beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness and exotic flavor. Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, it cleanses the palate between bites, making each taste of cheesecake even more enjoyable. Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of velvety caramel offers depth and richness to the dessert, perfect for those who crave a little extra sweetness. Hazelnut Cookies: For a crunchy element, serve these delightful cookies alongside to add texture and a nutty flavor contrast. Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easy blending, resulting in a smooth, creamy filling for your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Avoid Overmixing: After adding eggs, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can add too much air and cause cracks to form during baking. Cooling Time Matters: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This step enhances the melding of flavors and improves overall texture. Check Baking Progress: The center should jiggle slightly when you pull it from the oven; this ensures the cheesecake will be creamy and not overbaked. Perfect Chilling: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your cheesecake overnight. This allows the layers to set properly and intensifies the flavors. Make Ahead Options This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a dream come true for busy home cooks! You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the crumbs with melted butter and press them into the pan; this step can be done the day before. The filling can also be made and stored in the fridge, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. When you’re ready to serve, layer the fresh strawberries just before baking for optimal flavor and texture. By chilling it overnight, you allow the cheesecake to set perfectly and meld those flavors beautifully—leaving you with a dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh! Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Variations Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own! Each variation is a delicious adventure waiting to happen. Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a vibrant, colorful twist. Consider the flavor profile of each berry; blueberries will add a mild sweetness, while raspberries introduce a tart kick! Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the crust for an extra crunch and flavor depth. This not only adds a lovely texture but also complements the creaminess of the cheesecake beautifully. Citrus Burst: Replace lemon juice with lime or orange juice to brighten the flavor of the strawberries in your cheesecake. This sweet yet tangy twist could become your new favorite, offering a refreshing taste that sings of summer! Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version that still provides that luscious cheesecake texture. With the right sweetener, no one will guess this rich dessert is dairy-free! Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling for a delightful mocha flavor. Combining chocolate with strawberries could lead to a decadent experience that would please any chocoholic. Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper into the batter for just a touch of warmth and complexity. This unexpected twist will surprise your taste buds, making every bite an adventure. Almond Essence: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract in place of vanilla for a nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries. This small swap can create an entirely new flavor profile that feels both comforting and exciting. Aquafaba Option: For a vegan alternative, replace eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), whipped until frothy. It binds just like eggs, allowing you to keep your cheesecake light and fluffy without any dairy! Embrace these variations to create a dessert that resonates with your taste and dietary needs, ensuring every slice of your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is just right for you! Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe FAQs Which strawberries are best for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, ripe strawberries that are bright red and slightly firm. Look for strawberries that are free from dark spots or blemishes, as these can affect taste and freshness. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be a good alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using. How should I store leftover cheesecake? Very simply! Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and preserves that creamy texture you love. If you have a big batch or want to save some for later, you can also freeze it—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to avoid freezer burn. Can I freeze the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? Absolutely! For freezing, make sure the cheesecake is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This keeps the texture just right! What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking? Very common! To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs since this introduces air into the mixture. Additionally, bake the cheesecake in a water bath to maintain moisture during baking, which helps reduce cracking. If it still cracks, don’t worry too much—just cover the cracks with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for a delicious disguise! Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten allergies? Definitely! This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free shortcake or biscuit crumbs for the crust. Make sure to double-check that all the ingredients, especially the baking powder and any pre-packaged items, are gluten-free. With these substitutions, everyone can indulge in this scrumptious dessert! Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Of course! In fact, making this cheesecake in advance is a great idea. It allows the flavors to develop beautifully. I often prepare it a day before I plan to serve it, ensuring it chills overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances its texture but also makes serving a stress-free delight! Indulgent Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake You Can't Resist Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, combining rich cheesecake and fresh strawberries in a gluten-free dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrCooling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups shortcake or biscuit crumbs can substitute with graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs1/2 cup butter (melted)For the Cheesecake Filling16 oz cream cheese softened1 cup sugar3 large eggs1 cup sour cream1 tsp vanilla extractFor the Strawberries2 cups fresh strawberries sliced, can use frozen (thawed and drained)1 tbsp lemon juice Equipment 9-inch springform panMixing BowlElectric mixer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed shortcake or biscuit crumbs with melted butter in a bowl, then press into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, let cool.In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, blend until creamy.Slice fresh strawberries and toss with sugar and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to enhance sweetness.Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half of the macerated strawberries on top. Then layer the remaining filling and top with the rest of the strawberries.Bake the layered cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking.Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set.To serve, carefully remove from the springform pan. Top each slice with extra strawberries and whipped cream if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for easier blending. Allow the cheesecake to cool properly for the best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
