Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

There’s something magical about desserts that combine multiple favorites into one spectacular creation. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake – a show-stopping dessert that marries the best of both worlds. Imagine layers of moist strawberry cake, rich creamy cheesecake, velvety cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy strawberry cookie crumble. This is the kind of dessert that makes celebrations memorable and turns ordinary days into special occasions.

As someone who’s been developing recipes for over two decades, I’ve learned that sometimes the most impressive desserts come from creative combinations. This recipe pays homage to the classic strawberry shortcake (those beloved layers of macerated strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender biscuits) while also channeling the nostalgic flavors of Good Humor strawberry shortcake ice cream bars from childhood.

I should mention up front that while this recipe is a bit time-consuming, I’ve simplified it with some semi-homemade elements like boxed cake mix. The results are absolutely worth the effort! And if you’re wondering about the secret to the intense strawberry flavor – it’s strawberry gelatin, which delivers consistent flavor and beautiful color in every bite.

What You’ll Need

A) For the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Layers:

• 1 box white cake mix (preferred over yellow for color)
• 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
• 3 eggs (or as directed on cake mix)
• 1/3 cup oil (or as directed on cake mix)
• Water or milk (as directed on cake mix)
• 1/2 cup crushed fresh strawberries (optional, for extra flavor)

B) For the Creamy Cheesecake Layers:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup thick whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

C) For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups thick whipped cream
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

D) For the Strawberry Cookie Crumble:

• 2 cups butter cookies (or shortbread or Golden Oreos)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons ice water
• Red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)

Essential Equipment:

• Two 9-inch cake pans
• One 9-inch springform pan (highly recommended for the cheesecake with crust)
• Food processor (optional but helpful; you can use a ziplock bag and rolling pin instead)
• Large baking sheet for the water bath
• Electric mixer (stand mixer ideal, hand mixer works too)
• Parchment paper

Let’s Make It Happen “Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake”

A) Prepare the Strawberry Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with strawberry gelatin powder.
3. Add eggs, oil, and water/milk according to package directions.
4. If using, fold in 1/2 cup of crushed fresh strawberries for extra flavor and texture.
5. Divide the batter between your prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to finish cooling.

B) Prepare the Crustless Cheesecake Layer

1. Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
3. Gradually add sugar and cornstarch, beating until well incorporated.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in whipped cream until just combined.
6. Pour about 3 cups of this mixture into your prepared pan.
7. Create a water bath by placing the pan in a larger, deep baking sheet filled with about 1 inch of hot water.
8. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until the center is just set (slight wobble is okay).
9. Cool completely, then refrigerate until firm.

C) Prepare the Cheesecake with Crust

1. Prepare your springform pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of butter cookies with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1 tablespoon ice water until it resembles wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan.
4. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then let cool slightly.
5. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust.
6. Bake in a water bath at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until just set.
7. Cool completely, then refrigerate until firm.

Create the Strawberry Cookie Crumble

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Process remaining cookies with remaining melted butter and ice water.
3. Divide mixture in half.
4. To one half, add strawberry gelatin powder and a few drops of red food coloring if desired.
5. Spread both mixtures (plain and strawberry) on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely before breaking into crumbles.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Fold in whipped cream and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Place the cheesecake with crust (still in springform pan) as your base layer.
2. Top with one layer of strawberry cake.
3. Carefully add the crustless cheesecake layer.
4. Finish with the second strawberry cake layer.
5. Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
6. Generously decorate the top and sides with the strawberry cookie crumble.
7. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

• Mix It Up: Try different cake flavors – chocolate, lemon, or even a store-bought strawberry cake mix works beautifully.
• Enhance the Cheesecake: Add freeze-dried strawberry powder or a swirl of strawberry jam to the cheesecake batter for extra strawberry punch.
• Shortcuts: In a time crunch? Use a no-bake cheesecake filling, pre-made graham cracker crust, or store-bought frosting.
• Serving Suggestions: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial for the cream cheese components – cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your cheesecake and frosting.

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is truly a labor of love, but the “oohs” and “aahs” you’ll hear when serving it make every step worthwhile. The combination of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this spectacular fusion dessert is guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!