Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your dessert game with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake recipe that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of shortcake. Bursting with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, this delicious fusion creates an irresistible treat perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. Each slice promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.

Erin Wallace

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2025-12-10T15:38:21.435Z

A Perfect Summer Treat

As the temperatures rise, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a light and fruity dessert. This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake perfectly combines the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the airy texture of shortcake, making it an ideal choice for summer parties and barbecues. The flavors of fresh strawberries truly shine in this dessert, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or a special event, this dessert is sure to impress. The visual appeal of the vibrant strawberry topping alongside the creamy cheesecake is enough to entice anyone. Plus, each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the smooth filling and the fluffy shortcake.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is versatile enough to be served on various occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, and summer picnics are all perfect moments to whip out this delectable treat. Its impressive appearance and delightful flavors mean it can easily become the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Looking for a dish to impress? This cheesecake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also allows you to showcase your baking skills. Friends and family will be raving about it long after the last slice has been served.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this dessert even further, consider experimenting with additional toppings. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel adds a luxurious touch, while a sprinkle of toasted nuts can provide nice texture and flavor contrasts. You could also introduce a hint of citrus zest—like lemon or lime—for a refreshing twist.

Pairing this cheesecake with a glass of sparkling wine or a fresh fruit smoothie complements the flavors beautifully. Each element enhances the overall experience, turning a simple dessert into a gourmet finish to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Shortcake Layer

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, mix in the sour cream until combined.

Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely.

Prepare the Shortcake Layer

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and sugar until just combined. Pour the shortcake batter over the cooled cheesecake layer.

Bake the Shortcake Layer

Bake the combined layers at 350°F (175°C) for another 20-25 minutes until the shortcake is golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Add Toppings

Once cooled, top the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve chilled.

Storing Your Cheesecake

To maintain the freshness of your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dessert can usually be kept for up to five days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

If you'd like to enjoy this dessert over an extended period, consider freezing it. Slice the cheesecake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Customizing Your Recipe

One of the best aspects of the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different berries; raspberries or blueberries can also make delightful variations. Mixing in a layer of fruit puree can enhance the fruity flavor and add a beautiful color gradient to your layers.

Dietary preferences can also be accommodated. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, using low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes can make this dessert a bit lighter while still retaining delicious flavors.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes, you can use a low-fat cream cheese or a non-dairy alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Elevate your dessert game with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake recipe that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of shortcake. Bursting with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, this delicious fusion creates an irresistible treat perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. Each slice promises a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Erin Wallace

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 10 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cheesecake Layer

  1. 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 3 large eggs
  5. 1 cup sour cream

For the Shortcake Layer

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping

  1. 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  2. 1 cup whipped cream

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finally, mix in the sour cream until combined.

Step 02

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely.

Step 03

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and sugar until just combined. Pour the shortcake batter over the cooled cheesecake layer.

Step 04

Bake the combined layers at 350°F (175°C) for another 20-25 minutes until the shortcake is golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Step 05

Once cooled, top the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Sugars: 25g