Imagine a dessert that combines the velvety richness of cheesecake with the lightness of shortcake, all crowned with luscious strawberries. That delightful creation is none other than Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. It’s like inviting a fruity picnic right into your mouth!
Growing up, my Aunt Doris would whip this beauty out at every family gathering—her secret weapon for winning hearts and spoons alike. I can still hear the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as she unveiled it. Perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or just because it’s Wednesday—let’s dive into this culinary bliss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines creamy texture with fruity goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser
- It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and looks stunning on any table
- The layers of flavors create a delightful experience for your taste buds
- Perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress!
I remember my friends’ wide eyes as they took their first bite of this cheesecake; their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a crunchy base; opt for finely crushed crumbs for better texture.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best here; it enhances sweetness without being overpowering.
- Melted Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; make sure it’s cool but still liquid before mixing.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for ultimate creaminess; let it sit at room temperature before whipping.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess; full-fat sour cream gives the best flavor and texture balance.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile—it’s worth splurging on quality here!
- Eggs: Use large eggs to ensure proper binding and structure in your cheesecake; they should be at room temperature.
- Sliced Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries for sweetness; slice them just before serving to keep them fresh!
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a lovely finishing touch—store-bought works fine if you’re short on time!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for a delightful journey as we create this masterpiece step by step!
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into a greased springform pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before adding your creamy filling.
Create the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar while mixing until fully incorporated for a perfect creamy texture.
Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Add in eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed. Follow with sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is blended smoothly together.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over your cooled crust and bake for 50-60 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
Add Strawberries and Chill: Once cooled completely, top your cheesecake with sliced fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoy each slice of this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake as you marvel at its layers of flavor—each bite is like summer on a plate!
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake cheesecake combines the best of both worlds</strong>: creamy cheesecake meets strawberry shortcake delight
- This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, adding a refreshing twist to traditional flavors
- The vibrant strawberries and whipped cream create a visual feast that your guests won’t forget
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust while your oven preheats to 350°F. Bake the crust first, then whip the cheesecake filling while it cools. This sequence ensures everything stays fresh and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries for a unique flavor. Adding a hint of lemon zest to the cheesecake will brighten it up beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you need to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra creamy cheesecake, use room temperature cream cheese and beat it well to avoid lumps
- Always slice with a hot knife for clean edges, making each piece Instagram-ready!
- Consider using fresh strawberries for topping right before serving to keep them vibrant
Sharing this dessert at a family gathering brought squeals of joy from my niece, who claimed it was “the best thing ever!” It turned into my go-to recipe for celebrations after that delightful feedback.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture in cheesecake.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The center should be slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a luscious blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries, perfect for any gathering. This delightful dessert will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture into a greased springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, until set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Once cooled, top with sliced fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
