🍰 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake 🍓

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Absolutely! Here’s a long, detailed recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake — a spectacular dessert that combines fluffy strawberry shortcake, rich New York-style cheesecake, and whipped cream frosting. It’s layered, decadent, and perfect for special occasions like birthdays or summer parties.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Yields

: 12–14 slices

Skill Level

: Intermediate

Prep Time

: 1.5 hours

Bake Time

: 1 hour 30 minutes (total)

Assembly & Chill Time

: 4–6 hours or overnight

Total Time

: 6–8 hours (includes chilling)

Components

  1. New York-style cheesecake layer
  2. Two layers of strawberry shortcake sponge
  3. Fresh strawberry filling
  4. Whipped cream cheese frosting
  5. Optional: Strawberry shortcake crumble topping

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Cake Layers

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp strawberry extract (optional but enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
  • Pink or red food coloring (optional)

For the Fresh Strawberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Shortcake Crumble Topping (Optional but fun!)

  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • ¾ cup crushed shortbread cookies or Golden Oreos
  • 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin powder
  • 1 tbsp flour (optional for texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cheesecake Layer (Can Be Made Ahead)

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and lightly grease the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Add sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in flour and a pinch of salt.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  5. Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but edges are set.
  8. Cool completely in the oven with the door cracked. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cake Layers

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
  4. Add egg whites one at a time, beating after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla and strawberry extract.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and strawberry puree.
  7. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour.
  8. Add food coloring if desired for a deeper pink hue.
  9. Divide evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Let cool completely on wire racks.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

  1. Combine diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and (optional) cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy.
  3. Cool completely before using.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Set aside.
  2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Level your cake layers and cheesecake if necessary using a serrated knife.
  2. Place one strawberry cake layer on a cake board or serving plate.
  3. Spread a layer of frosting and some strawberry filling.
  4. Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top.
  5. Add another layer of frosting and strawberry filling.
  6. Top with the second strawberry cake layer.
  7. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream cheese frosting.
  8. Smooth with an offset spatula. Chill for at least 30–60 minutes before decorating.

Step 6: Add Shortcake Crumble (Optional but Beautiful)

  1. In a bowl, combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin.
  2. Sprinkle around the sides and/or top edges of the cake for decoration.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Top with fresh whole or halved strawberries.
  • Optional: Pipe swirls of frosting around the top border.
  • Chill the finished cake at least 2–3 hours before slicing, or overnight for best texture.
  • Use a warm knife to cut clean slices.

Storage

  • Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Cheesecake and strawberry cake layers can be baked a day in advance and chilled separately.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it simpler: Use a boxed white cake mix with strawberry puree for quicker layers.
  • Use jam: If fresh strawberries are out of season, use a good-quality strawberry jam for the filling.
  • Mini version: Make in 6-inch pans for a smaller version, or as cupcakes with cheesecake centers.
  • Add crunch: Fold crushed shortbread or freeze-dried strawberries into the frosting for texture.

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