Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of two worlds: the light, fruity essence of strawberry shortcake and the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake. This triple-layer masterpiece features moist strawberry cake, a velvety cheesecake filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, all topped with a crunchy strawberry crumble. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake delivers stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor. Best of all, it’s beginner-friendly, with clear step-by-step guidance to ensure success in your home kitchen.
PrintShortcake Cheesecake Cake
Layers of love in every bite! 🍰💖 This Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is a dreamy mix of rich cheesecake and fluffy shortcake, all topped with fresh strawberries! 🍓✨ Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, this treat is sure to impress! 🎂💕 Light, creamy, and full of flavor—who’s ready to dig in? 😍🍴 #StrawberryShortcakeCheesecake #HeavenlyDesserts #FluffyAndCreamy #HomemadeBaking #Berrylicious #SweetTreats #CakeTime #DeliciousLayers #BakingJoy #DessertGoals 🍓🎂
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened – Provides a rich, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Adds structure.
- 2 large eggs – Help bind the cheesecake mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – Adds smoothness.
Substitutions:
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
For the Strawberry Cake Layers
- 1 cup chopped strawberries – Provides fresh, natural strawberry flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water – Helps cook down the strawberries.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Boosts flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Adds lift.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1 Tbsp pieces – Provides richness.
- 1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist.
- 3 large eggs – Binds the batter.
- 1 cup strawberry puree, cooled – Intensifies strawberry flavor.
- Pink food coloring (optional) – Enhances color.
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix – Boosts color and taste.
Substitutions:
- Swap sour cream with plain yogurt for a similar texture.
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained).
For the Frosting
- 16 oz (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds creaminess.
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened – Creates a tangy, smooth frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For depth of flavor.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream – Lightens the frosting.
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens.
Substitutions:
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, use whipped cream instead of butter.
For the Strawberry Crumble Topping
- 24 Golden Oreo cookies, crushed – Creates a crunchy texture.
- 1/4 cup thawed whipped topping – Binds the crumble.
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder – Enhances the color and taste.
Substitutions:
- Swap Golden Oreos with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed for 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and mix on low speed until incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then reduce temperature to 200°F and bake for another 55-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool in the oven for 15 minutes with the door slightly open, then transfer to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Prepare strawberry puree by simmering chopped strawberries, sugar, water, and strawberry gelatin for 2-3 minutes. Blend until smooth and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix sour cream, eggs, and cooled strawberry puree in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Divide the batter between the two cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add heavy cream and whip until fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crumble
- Crush Golden Oreos in a food processor.
- Mix half of the crumbs with whipped topping and strawberry gelatin.
- Fold in the remaining plain crumbs.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Remove cheesecake from the pan and place it on the first cake layer.
- Frost the cheesecake layer, then top with the second cake round.
- Cover the entire cake with frosting.
- Gently press the strawberry crumble onto the sides and top of the cake.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cake too dense? Ensure the butter is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients before adding wet ingredients.
- Cheesecake cracking? Don’t overmix the batter, and bake with a water bath to maintain moisture.
- Frosting too soft? Refrigerate for 10 minutes before frosting the cake.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
- Straightforward Steps: Each component is broken down into manageable sections—cheesecake, cake layers, frosting, and crumble—so you can tackle them one at a time.
- Common Ingredients: Most of the ingredients, such as flour, eggs, sugar, and butter, are pantry staples, making this recipe easy to recreate.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The cheesecake layer can be prepared in advance, reducing stress on the baking day.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink hues and golden crumble topping make this cake look professional without requiring advanced decorating skills.
Ingredients and Alternatives
Gathering your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth baking process. Below is everything you’ll need:
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened – Provides a rich, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Adds structure.
- 2 large eggs – Help bind the cheesecake mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – Adds smoothness.
Substitutions:
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist.
For the Strawberry Cake Layers
- 1 cup chopped strawberries – Provides fresh, natural strawberry flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Enhances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water – Helps cook down the strawberries.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Boosts flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Adds lift.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1 Tbsp pieces – Provides richness.
- 1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist.
- 3 large eggs – Binds the batter.
- 1 cup strawberry puree, cooled – Intensifies strawberry flavor.
- Pink food coloring (optional) – Enhances color.
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix – Boosts color and taste.
Substitutions:
- Swap sour cream with plain yogurt for a similar texture.
- If fresh strawberries aren’t available, use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained).
For the Frosting
- 16 oz (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds creaminess.
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened – Creates a tangy, smooth frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For depth of flavor.
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream – Lightens the frosting.
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens.
Substitutions:
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, use whipped cream instead of butter.
For the Strawberry Crumble Topping
- 24 Golden Oreo cookies, crushed – Creates a crunchy texture.
- 1/4 cup thawed whipped topping – Binds the crumble.
- 3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder – Enhances the color and taste.
Substitutions:
- Swap Golden Oreos with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a different twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To achieve the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake, follow these detailed steps:
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the sides.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed for 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and mix on low speed until incorporated.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F, then reduce temperature to 200°F and bake for another 55-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool in the oven for 15 minutes with the door slightly open, then transfer to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Prepare strawberry puree by simmering chopped strawberries, sugar, water, and strawberry gelatin for 2-3 minutes. Blend until smooth and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Cut in softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix sour cream, eggs, and cooled strawberry puree in a separate bowl.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Divide the batter between the two cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add heavy cream and whip until fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crumble
- Crush Golden Oreos in a food processor.
- Mix half of the crumbs with whipped topping and strawberry gelatin.
- Fold in the remaining plain crumbs.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Remove cheesecake from the pan and place it on the first cake layer.
- Frost the cheesecake layer, then top with the second cake round.
- Cover the entire cake with frosting.
- Gently press the strawberry crumble onto the sides and top of the cake.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting
- Cake too dense? Ensure the butter is fully incorporated into the dry ingredients before adding wet ingredients.
- Cheesecake cracking? Don’t overmix the batter, and bake with a water bath to maintain moisture.
- Frosting too soft? Refrigerate for 10 minutes before frosting the cake.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Pair with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an extra special touch.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate indulgence, combining layers of moist cake, creamy cheesecake, and a delightful crunch topping. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a step-by-step guide to ensure success. Try it for your next celebration and share your results! Have you made this cake? Let us know in the comments!