Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake absolutely delivers. Imagine the nostalgic delight of strawberry shortcake meeting creamy cheesecake—all wrapped up in beautiful cake layers and topped with irresistible cookie crumbles. You get bright, fruity strawberry, velvety cheesecake, buttery crunch, and luscious cream cheese icing in every bite. While this striking cake might look bakery-level, it’s designed for real kitchens and real schedules, which means you can pull it off on a busy weeknight or as a weekend project to wow your friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at what you’ll use and why it makes the difference:

• White Cake Mix: The ultra-fluffy base for your cake layers. Fast, reliable, and lets the strawberry flavor shine.
• Strawberry Jello Mix: The magic behind that classic strawberry shortcake flavor—not optional!
• Eggs, Milk & Oil: For richness, structure, and moisture in your cake.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layers—choose full-fat for extra creaminess.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake and icing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and the signature “bakery” flavor.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the cheesecake smooth and helps it set without cracks.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes both the cheesecake and the icing luxuriously light and lush.
• Shortbread Cookies: For the buttery base and those golden, crunchy crumbles.
• Unsalted Butter: Richness for both the crust and cookie crumbles—salted would overpower the flavors here.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the cookie mixture.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional, but use a touch for that iconic strawberry crumb look.
• Confectioners Sugar: Essential for velvety icing you can slather all over your finished masterpiece.

Variations

Sometimes you want to get creative, or maybe just use what you have on hand. Here are a few easy swaps and spins:

• Berry Swap: Raspberry or cherry Jello wake up the flavor in different (but equally delicious) directions.
• Cookie Crunch: Use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even golden Oreos for the crumb layers if you don’t have shortbread.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Give the top a quick zig-zag of melted chocolate for dramatic flair.
• Lighter Option: Sub in low-fat cream cheese for a lighter result (your cake will be slightly “fluffier”).
• Fruity Layer: Tuck sliced strawberries between layers for a burst of freshness.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Making this layered beauty is simpler than it looks. Here’s your step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: Bake the Strawberry Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine white cake mix and strawberry Jello powder. Add eggs, oil, and milk, beating everything until smooth and glossy. Divide this irresistible cake batter into two well-greased 9-inch pans, then bake until a toothpick comes out clean—about 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool fully before moving on. This is a must or your cheesecake will melt!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layers

Using a mixer (stand or hand), blend cream cheese, cornstarch, and heavy whipping cream until totally smooth. Next, add the eggs one by one, then beat in sugar and vanilla. Pour a good portion of this cheesecake batter into its own greased 9-inch pan, bake for 30 minutes, and then chill it down in the fridge.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Crust and Second Cheesecake Layer

Pulse shortbread cookies, melted butter, and water in a food processor until you get a soft, sticky crumb. Press this into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake. Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture on top, bake again, and chill.

Step 4: Prepare the Cookie Crumbles

Crush up more shortbread cookies with butter and water. Split the mixture—leave one half plain, and blitz the other with Strawberry Jello and a hint of red food coloring. Bake these crumbles on a sheet for about 10 minutes for that signature crunchy sparkle.

Step 5: Make the Icing

In a big bowl, blend cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add in confectioners sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, whipping until you have a fluffy, spreadable frosting.

Step 6: Assemble Your Dessert

Start with your cookie crust cheesecake layer on a platter. Gently stack a strawberry cake layer over it, then the plain cheesecake, then the final cake layer. Slather with icing, then coat the sides and top with those rainbow white-and-red cookie crumbles.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let your dazzling creation chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing for the most dramatic and delicious results.

How to Serve

This cake is a celebration in itself, but here are some extra ideas for making serving even more special:

• Classic Presentation: Slice generously and serve as-is, letting those gorgeous layers do all the talking.
• Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Top each slice with a fresh strawberry or two for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Whipped Cream Side: A little extra homemade whipped cream is always a hit for ultra-luxury.
• Party Slices: Cube the cake for a mini dessert tray—great for showers, picnics, or birthday buffets.

Pair a slice with coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a celebratory glass of bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten cake tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The shortbread layers will retain their crunch beautifully for days.

Freezing

Wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this dessert tastes best slightly chilled or at cool room temperature.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is pure happiness on a plate—festive, easygoing, and outrageously delicious. Whether you’re baking to celebrate or just to bring some sweetness to a weeknight, you’ll love both the process and the result. Don’t be shy about making it your own. Grab your mixing bowl, queue up your favorite playlist, and get ready for a treat that’s guaranteed to become a new classic in your kitchen!

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