Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the perfect fusion of flavors with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake recipe. Delightfully creamy and topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert brings together the classic shortcake flavor and rich cheesecake texture for an unforgettable treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Elevate your dessert game and impress your guests with this stunningly beautiful and delicious cheesecake!
This delicious dessert combines the best of both worlds, marrying the lightness of shortcake with the richness of cheesecake. Ideal for summer gatherings or any festive occasion!
A Classic Dessert Reimagined
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends. Combining the beloved flavors of strawberry shortcake with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, this recipe elevates the traditional dessert experience. The delightful marriage of these two classic treats makes it a showstopper at any gathering, be it a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together.
The smooth cheesecake filling provides a luscious backdrop to the fresh strawberries, which brighten the palette and add an inviting freshness. Each slice offers a harmonious balance between flavors and textures, making every bite a joyous celebration of taste. Whether served at a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner, this cheesecake is sure to leave lasting impressions.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesecake
Achieving the perfect cheesecake requires a bit of patience and the right techniques. It’s crucial to ensure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your batter. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined, as over-mixing can introduce too much air, which may lead to cracks on the surface of your cheesecake while baking.
Another important tip is to bake your cheesecake in a water bath, which helps regulate temperature and maintains moisture, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. If you don't have a deep enough pan for the water bath, simply place a baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking your cheesecake. This will create steam during the baking process, keeping your cheesecake from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Whipped cream for serving
Mix the ingredients in their respective sections and prepare for assembly.
Instructions
Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
Make the cheesecake filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake the cheesecake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the topping
Mix the sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl and let sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
Serve the cheesecake
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with the strawberries and serve with whipped cream.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake!
Nutritional Information
While this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is undoubtedly a treat, it's also essential to be mindful of portion sizes. The recipe yields about 12 servings, making it easier to share without overindulging. Each slice is rich, so a smaller piece is often sufficient to satisfy your sweet tooth, providing a wonderful balance between enjoyment and moderation.
Moreover, you can easily adapt the recipe for various dietary preferences. Use low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version. The sweetness can also be adjusted, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, which can impart added flavors without compromising on taste.
Storage Tips
To preserve the freshness of your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting its flavor. Properly stored, your cheesecake can last for up to five days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container. This technique allows you to enjoy your cheesecake later with minimal loss of quality, making it easy to satisfy those sudden cravings for a sweet delight.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Experience the perfect fusion of flavors with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake recipe. Delightfully creamy and topped with fresh strawberries, this dessert brings together the classic shortcake flavor and rich cheesecake texture for an unforgettable treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Elevate your dessert game and impress your guests with this stunningly beautiful and delicious cheesecake!
Created by: Rosie Mitchell
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Whipped cream for serving
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Mix the sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl and let sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Top with the strawberries and serve with whipped cream.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g