Get ready to indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake! This delightful dessert combines the best elements of a classic strawberry shortcake and a rich cheesecake, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Did you know that desserts like these often bring people together during gatherings, making memories that last a lifetime? The combination of juicy strawberries and velvety cream cheese is truly a match made in heaven, and it’s easier to make than you might think. If you love our classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll surely appreciate the charm of this dreamy cake. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for a sweet adventure that will leave everyone begging for seconds!
What is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake?
So, what on earth is a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake? It sounds like a mouthful, and it is—literally! This dessert takes the beloved strawberry shortcake and gives it a cheesecake twist. It’s the kind of cake that makes you ponder whether one dessert can be too good to be true. The story goes that someone just couldn’t choose between cheesecake and strawberry shortcake, so they combined the two! And as the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not thrill your taste buds with this scrumptious creation? Trust me; you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!
Why You’ll Love This
There’s a lot to love about Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake! First and foremost, it’s the perfect marriage of flavors—the creaminess of the cheesecake blends seamlessly with the light, fluffy cake and sweet strawberries. Imagine biting into a slice and tasting the bursts of fresh strawberry flavor along with the creamy filling; it’s simply irresistible! Making this cake at home is a great way to save some cash while treating yourself to an extravagant dessert that would normally cost a small fortune at a bakery. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something truly special that will wow your guests without breaking the bank. Plus, the flavors can be tailored to your preferences! You could easily substitute berries or even add a drizzle of chocolate; the potential combinations are endless. If you enjoy desserts like our Banana Pudding Cake, you’ll adore this one too. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a total time of 1 hour and 30 minutes (including baking and cooling), you’ll be enjoying this dessert in no time. The cake is light and fluffy, with a rich cheesecake layer that adds a delightful twist to the classic dish. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can create this irresistible treat at home!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pans.
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top, then layer with sliced strawberries. Repeat with the second cake layer and the remaining cream cheese mixture.
In a small saucepan, combine strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream if desired!
What to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake With
To complement the lightness of Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake, consider serving it with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade would balance out the sweetness of the cake beautifully. A sprig of mint on top adds an elegant finishing touch!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Softened Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for fresh berries over frozen.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake—just mix until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing much easier.
- Get Creative: Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries or drizzle chocolate over the top for a fun twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer a slightly warm slice, but avoid overheating to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit in place of strawberries?
Yes! Try raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches based on your taste.
Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake layer before serving?
Yes, chilling improves the texture and helps the layers hold together.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I make this cake dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have settled.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is a show-stopping dessert that blends light, fruity freshness with rich, creamy indulgence. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, this recipe will bring joy to any table. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start creating memories—one slice at a time!
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Cake Pans
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup whole milk
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
Strawberry Topping
- 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely in the pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top, then layer with sliced strawberries. Repeat with the second cake layer and the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream if desired!