Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a delightful fusion that combines the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with the fresh and fruity flavors of strawberry shortcake. This indulgent dessert will have your taste buds dancing with joy, as each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy notes. The rich, velvety cheesecake is complemented by a layer of juicy strawberries, making it not only a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. It’s a dessert worth making for any special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself!

Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a sweet surprise for someone you love, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is easy to prepare and looks impressive on any table. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover why it’s going to be your new favorite treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is not just delicious; it checks all the boxes for an ideal dessert! With easy preparation tasks, you won’t feel overwhelmed in the kitchen. The recipe is family-friendly and comes together in a straightforward manner, allowing even novice bakers to shine. Featuring minimal ingredients, this cheesecake is a breeze to whip up, making it an excellent choice for those last-minute dessert needs.

Imagine gathering your loved ones around the table, all eager to take a taste of this delightful cheesecake. The vibrant strawberries complement the rich cream cheese, creating a dessert that promises to be a clear favorite at any gathering. Plus, there’s satisfaction in sharing a homemade treat that is truly stunning and flavorful!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

To craft this dreamy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, you’ll need a harmonious blend of ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: A sweet, crunchy base that provides texture.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enhances the crust’s richness and helps bind the crumbs.
• 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that adds creaminess.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake to perfection.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet scent into the cheesecake.
• 3 large eggs: Provides structure and a smooth consistency to the cheesecake.
• 1/2 cup diced strawberries: Offers bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cheesecake.
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: For a beautiful topping that showcases freshness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the strawberry topping.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry topping.
• 1/4 cup water: Combines with the cornstarch for the topping.
• Whipped cream: For a light, fluffy finish.
• Fresh strawberries: For garnish and added flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is straightforward with these easy step-by-step directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent the cheesecake from sticking.

2. For the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

3. For the cheesecake: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until well combined. Then, fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, gently fold in the diced strawberries for bursts of flavor.

4. Once your cheesecake batter is ready, pour it into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set, and the edges appear lightly browned. After this, turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to help it cool slowly.

6. After the hour, move the cheesecake to the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before carefully removing it from the pan.

7. For the strawberry topping: In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens. Allow this to cool before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.

8. Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with a fluffy layer of whipped cream and arrange fresh strawberries around or on top of the cheesecake.

Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Do Not Overmix: After adding eggs, gently fold to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks during baking.
• Water Bath Method: For a creamy texture and to prevent cracking, consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with water.
• Extra Layers: For a fun twist, consider adding layers of vanilla or lemon curd between the cheesecake and the strawberry topping.
• Lighten It Up: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Present your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake beautifully! Slice it into perfect wedges and serve on a decorative plate. You could add a drizzle of strawberry sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk, iced tea, or even a cup of coffee, making it perfect for any gathering.

For added flair, serve with a side of homemade strawberry syrup drizzled over the top or accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat!

Nutritional Information

Each slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake offers a delightful indulgence, with approximately 350 calories per serving. This dessert is rich in protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying treat. While indulgent, sharing this dessert can help lighten the guilt, especially during celebrations or family gatherings.

Storing Tips & Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

If you have any leftovers, store the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it will keep for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

For variations, consider adding different fruit toppings such as blueberries or raspberries. You could also explore flavors by incorporating lemon zest into the cheesecake batter or swapping out the graham cracker crust for an Oreo crust for a unique twist!

Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Now that you have the knowledge and inspiration to make your very own Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! This enchanting dessert is sure to impress anyone you share it with. Its combination of flavors, textures, and stunning presentation makes it a must-have for your recipe collection. Go ahead and create sweet memories with this delectable treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the cheesecake batter or topping.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
   The cheesecake should be set at the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should also be lightly browned.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! This cheesecake is ideal for making a day in advance—just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.

4. What should I do if my cheesecake cracks?
   If your cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! You can cover the cracks with whipped cream or the strawberry topping to make it look beautiful.

5. Is this cheesecake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
   You can easily make this cheesecake gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Make sure to check other ingredients for gluten-free labels.

Print Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberry shortcake flavors, perfect for special occasions or as a treat.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Sweet

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesecake, dessert, strawberry, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs A sweet, crunchy base that provides texture.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Enhances the crust’s richness and helps bind the crumbs.

For the cheesecake filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened The star ingredient that adds creaminess.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cheesecake to perfection.
• 1 cup sour cream Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Infuses a warm, sweet scent into the cheesecake.
• 3 large eggs Provides structure and a smooth consistency to the cheesecake.
• 1/2 cup diced strawberries Offers bursts of fruity flavor throughout the cheesecake.

For the strawberry topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced For a beautiful topping that showcases freshness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar Helps sweeten the strawberry topping.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the strawberry topping.
• 1/4 cup water Combines with the cornstarch for the topping.

For serving

• to taste whipped cream For a light, fluffy finish.
• to taste fresh strawberries For garnish and added flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent the cheesecake from sticking.
• For the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Making the cheesecake

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until well combined.
• Fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, gently fold in the diced strawberries for bursts of flavor.
• Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Baking and chilling

• Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set, and the edges appear lightly browned. Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to help it cool slowly.
• Move the cheesecake to the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before carefully removing it from the pan.

Preparing the strawberry topping

• In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens. Allow this to cool before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake.

Serving

• Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with a fluffy layer of whipped cream and arrange fresh strawberries around or on top of the cheesecake.

Notes

Ensure room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter. Use a water bath method for creaminess and to prevent cracks. Consider adding different fruit toppings or flavors for variations.