Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts. Imagine a creamy, velvety cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries in a sweet lemon glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to summer gatherings, and will have your guests coming back for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines the richness of cheesecake with the fresh flavors of strawberry shortcake. The graham cracker crust adds a delicious, buttery crunch, while the creamy cheesecake filling is smooth and decadent. Topped with fresh, tangy-sweet strawberries, each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients for the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – gives a classic, buttery crust that complements the creamy filling
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – adds a touch of sweetness to the crust
• 1/2 cup melted butter – binds the crust together and adds rich flavor

Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened – the base of the cheesecake, providing the creamy texture
• 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the filling just right
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor
• 4 large eggs – binds the filling, creating a smooth, creamy consistency
• 1 cup sour cream – adds richness and a slight tang
• 1 cup heavy cream – makes the filling extra smooth and luxurious

Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – the vibrant, fresh topping that completes this dessert
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the strawberries and helps them release their juices
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens up the strawberry flavor with a hint of acidity

Instructions for Making Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake 🍓

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that the crust bakes evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients for the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated in the butter, and the mixture resembles damp sand.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even, compact layer. This step is essential for achieving a sturdy crust that will hold up to the creamy filling.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake for 10 minutes. This helps set the crust so it holds its shape when sliced. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is key to achieving a lump-free cheesecake, so take your time with this step.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. The sugar dissolves and gives a smooth texture, while the vanilla adds a touch of warmth to the flavor.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This step ensures a creamy, homogenous filling. Avoid over-mixing, as it can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
4. Fold in Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Finally, add the sour cream and heavy cream, gently mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy. The sour cream provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, while the heavy cream adds richness.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecak

1. Pour Filling into the Crust: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top for an even finish.
2. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Cool in the Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
4. Refrigerate: After the hour is up, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up to the perfect texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. Combine Strawberries, Sugar, and Lemon Juice: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices and create a flavorful syrup.
2. Adjust Sweetness if Necessary: Taste the strawberry topping and add a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. The lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy note that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Step 5: Serve the Cheesecake

1. Remove Cheesecake from Pan: Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Transfer it to a serving platter if desired.
2. Top with Strawberries: Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake just before serving. The bright, juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
3. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp, clean knife to cut slices of the cheesecake. Wipe the knife between slices for clean, professional-looking cuts.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, preventing lumps and cracks.
• Prevent Cracks: Baking the cheesecake at a lower temperature and letting it cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar can help avoid cracks on the surface.
• Chill Thoroughly: Cheesecake tastes best after it has been chilled for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
• Fresh Strawberries are Best: For the topping, fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch but may release more liquid as they thaw.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.
• Add a Crumb Topping: A sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers or shortbread on top can add extra texture and flavor.
• Swap the Topping: Try using raspberries or mixed berries for a different fruit topping that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.

Serving and Storing

• Serving Suggestions: This cheesecake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cheesecake also freezes well; just wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Why This Cheesecake Will Become Your New Favorite 🎉

The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a wonderful dessert that combines the best of two worlds. The creamy cheesecake filling and the graham cracker crust are elevated by the vibrant, juicy strawberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cheesecake is bound to impress!