Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I carefully sliced into a rich, creamy cheesecake adorned with a vibrant strawberry layer, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of delight wash over me. This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the perfect marriage of two classic desserts, combining the lusciousness of cheesecake with the light, refreshing taste of strawberry shortcake. What sets this recipe apart is not just its heavenly flavor, but its incredible ease—you can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal treat for both intimate gatherings and those cozy nights at home. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, allowing everyone to indulge without a care. Ready to impress yourself and your guests with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes? Let’s dive in and create this creamy, fruit-filled delight together! Why is This Cheesecake a Must-Try? Irresistible Combination: The blend of creamy cheesecake with the fruity essence of strawberries offers a truly unique taste experience. Super Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, ideal for those busy days when you still want to impress. Versatile Crust Options: Choose between a classic graham cracker crust or swap in Golden Oreos for a sweet twist—both are delightful! Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Vegetarian-Friendly: Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, making it a go-to choice for all! Extra Treats Suggestions: Pair your cheesecake with our delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches or elevate your dessert game with Honey Cheesecake Salted. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Ingredients For the Crust Graham Cracker Crumbs – A crunchy and sweet base that adds texture; crushed Golden Oreos can offer a fun flavor twist. Sugar – Sweetens both the crust and filling; you can substitute with a sugar alternative, but be mindful of potential texture changes. Melted Butter – Binds the crust together; coconut oil serves as a dairy-free choice. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – The star of the filling, imparting a creamy tang; Greek yogurt can lighten the recipe, though texture may differ. Sour Cream – Contributes moisture and richness; plain yogurt can also work well as a substitute. Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic depth to the filling; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor. Eggs – Provide structure to the cheesecake; consider flax eggs for a vegan alternative, keeping in mind texture changes. For the Strawberry Layer Strawberry Jell-O – Provides flavor and firmness to the strawberry layer; fresh strawberries or other fruit purees are healthier alternatives. Cold Water – Essential for preparing the Jell-O layer. Whipped Topping – Helps lighten and fluff the strawberry layer; a vegan substitute can make it dairy-free. For the Topping Heavy Cream – Used for making a rich whipped cream topping; coconut cream offers a vegan option. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream topping; can be replaced with a sugar alternative. For the Shortcake Crumble Golden Oreos or Vanilla Cookies – Adds a delightful crunch to the dish; any vanilla-flavored cookie can also work here. Additional Strawberry Jell-O Powder – Enhances the flavor of the crumble; feel free to omit if desired. Dive into this flavorful journey of making a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, and let this delightful dessert become a staple in your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures optimal baking conditions for your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. While the oven warms up, gather all your ingredients and prepare your 9-inch springform pan, ready to create the delicious crust. Step 2: Prepare the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well-mixed and the texture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan to create a solid base. Make sure it’s evenly spread to ensure consistent texture when baked. Step 3: Bake the Crust Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This step will give your crust a slight golden hue and firm it up nicely. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the filling later on. Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in sour cream and vanilla extract. Incorporate eggs one by one, mixing gently after each addition to keep the filling light and lump-free for your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is slightly wobbly but not liquidy. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Layer To make the strawberry layer, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O in hot water according to package instructions. After it’s dissolved, add cold water and allow it to chill until it thickens slightly. Once thickened, gently fold in the whipped topping and chopped strawberries for a light, fruity mixture. Step 7: Assemble the Cheesecake Carefully spread the chilled strawberry mixture over the top of your already-set Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Use a spatula to create an even layer, ensuring every slice will be packed with that delicious strawberry flavor. Step 8: Make the Whipped Cream Topping In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a luscious topping. Gently spread the whipped cream over the strawberry layer, making it light and fluffy for a beautiful presentation. Step 9: Create the Shortcake Crumble In a separate bowl, combine crushed Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies with melted butter and optional strawberry Jell-O powder. Mix well until the crumbs are moistened, then sprinkle the crumble generously over the whipped cream layer, adding texture and flavor to your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy Your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is now ready to serve! Slice it up, and feel free to garnish each piece with fresh strawberries and an extra dollop of whipped cream for a stunning finish. Enjoy this creamy, fruit-filled dessert that will impress everyone! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Fridge: Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious for your next indulgence. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor. Wrapping: If freezing slices, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat cheesecake, but if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before enjoying to bring back its creamy texture. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this delightful dessert to match your taste! Greek Yogurt: Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangy twist that still delivers on flavor. Jell-O Variations: Experiment with other fruit-flavored Jell-O like raspberry or peach for a vibrant change that piques curiosity. Vegan Whipped Cream: Replace whipped topping with stabilized whipped coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free treat. Chocolate Delight: Mix cocoa powder into the crust and filling for a luscious chocolate-strawberry cheesecake that indulgently surprises every bite. Nutty Crust: Add ground almonds or pecans to the crust for a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor—perfect for those who crave texture! Fresh Fruit Layer: Swap Jell-O for a fresh strawberry or raspberry purée, capturing the essence of fresh fruits for a healthier alternative. Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the overall dessert experience. Coconut Cream Topping: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the strawberries—a sweet escape for your taste buds! With these variations, you can make the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake uniquely yours while discovering new flavors to love. For more delightfully fruity options, check out our Strawberry Mango Cupcakes or feel inspired by our Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake. Happy baking! Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free filling for your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Avoid Overmixing: Be careful when adding eggs to the filling—mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks in your cheesecake, ruining its beautiful presentation. Water Bath Technique: Consider using a water bath during baking. This helps regulate the temperature and results in a creamier texture without cracks, enhancing your dessert’s overall appeal. Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your cheesecake overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps it set more firmly. Customize the Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruit layers or crusts. This strawberry shortcake cheesecake can be easily adapted to suit your flavor preferences, making each creation uniquely yours! Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecakes are perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a delicious dessert! You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the crust, cool it completely, and then store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. The cheesecake can also be baked ahead—after cooling to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. For the strawberry layer, prepare the Jell-O mixture and fold in the whipped topping a few hours before serving, as it’s best enjoyed fresh. By prepping ahead, you’ll save time while still delighting your family or guests with a mouthwatering Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake! What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Imagine a delightful spread of flavors that will elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level. Fresh Berries: Vibrant strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness that complements the cheesecake’s richness perfectly. Garnishing each slice with these fruits not only enhances the visual appeal but also balances the sweetness. Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy dollop on each slice offers a classic touch that underscores the creamy texture of the cheesecake while adding an extra layer of indulgence. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly combination when paired with the fruity cheesecake. As it melts slightly over the warm cheesecake, it transforms each bite into blissful comfort. Mint Leaves: Adding fresh mint leaves not only garnishes the plate beautifully but also lends a refreshing hint that cleanses the palate after each rich bite. Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the dessert, adding richness and contrast to the fruity flavor. It elevates the overall experience and is sure to wow your guests! Champagne or Sparkling Wine: For a festive touch, bubbly beverages make for an elegant pairing, heightening the sweetness and adding a celebratory feel to your dessert. Fruit Salad: A side of light fruit salad provides a fresh, zesty counterpoint that keeps the meal light and refreshing while seamlessly complementing the cheesecake. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or latte pairs beautifully, with its rich, bold flavors offsetting the sweet notes of the dessert and creating a comforting post-meal experience. Shortbread Cookies: Serve alongside with some classic shortbread cookies for a delightful crunch that contrasts the cheesecake’s smoothness, completing a well-rounded dessert experience. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats add a luxurious touch that reinforces the strawberry theme while introducing an enjoyable texture that pairs nicely with the cheesecake. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe FAQs What kind of strawberries should I use for the cheesecake? Absolutely! Fresh, ripe strawberries work best for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. Look for berries that are bright red and firm, with no dark spots or mushiness, as this ensures maximum flavor and sweetness. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries can serve in a pinch, but be sure to drain excess moisture for the best results. How should I store leftover cheesecake? To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3-5 days. If you’re not planning to finish it off within that time frame, consider freezing it for longer storage—up to 2 months! Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? Yes, indeed! Freezing this dessert is a fantastic way to preserve its flavor. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to ensure it’s airtight. For individual slices, wrap each slice separately and place them in a freezer bag. Remember to thaw your cheesecake in the fridge overnight before enjoying; this keeps the texture smooth and creamy. What can I do if my cheesecake cracks during baking? If you find cracks in your cheesecake, don’t worry—it’s a common issue! To prevent this, make sure to mix your filling gently and avoid overmixing after adding the eggs. Using a water bath while baking can help maintain a moist environment in the oven, which significantly reduces the chances of cracking. If cracks do appear, you can cover them with your whipped cream topping for a decorative touch—everyone will love it regardless! Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes! The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. If you have specific allergies, such as to dairy or gluten, there are great alternatives available. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and yogurt. You can also substitute gluten-free cookies for the crust for those avoiding gluten. Always check for hidden allergens in any packaged items like Jell-O. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Your New Favorite Dessert No ratings yet Try this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combining creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for your next gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs or crushed Golden Oreos1/4 cup Sugar1/2 cup Melted Butter or coconut oil for dairy-freeFor the Cheesecake Filling16 oz Cream Cheese softened1/2 cup Sour Cream or plain yogurt1 tbsp Vanilla Extract preferably pure3 large Eggs room temperatureFor the Strawberry Layer1 box Strawberry Jell-O1 cup Cold Water1 cup Whipped Topping vegan if neededFor the Topping1 cup Heavy Cream or coconut cream for vegan1/4 cup Powdered Sugar or sugar alternativeFor the Shortcake Crumble1 cup Golden Oreos or Vanilla Cookies2 tbsp Additional Strawberry Jell-O Powder optional Equipment 9-inch Springform PanMixing BowlElectric Mixer Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsStep 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Gather all your ingredients and prepare your 9-inch springform pan.Step 2: Prepare the Crust. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of your springform pan.Step 3: Bake the Crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one by one.Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake. Pour filling over the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Layer. Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in hot water, add cold water, and chill it until thickened. Fold in whipped topping.Step 7: Assemble the Cheesecake. Spread the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake.Step 8: Make the Whipped Cream Topping. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then spread over the strawberry layer.Step 9: Create the Shortcake Crumble. Combine crumbled cookies with melted butter and Jell-O powder. Sprinkle over the whipped cream.Step 10: Serve and Enjoy. Slice and serve your cheesecake, garnished with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Refrigerate overnight for improved flavor and texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
