🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake – A Show-Stopping Dessert That’s Bursting with Berries and Creamy Delight

Hello sweet dessert lovers! 👋 Are you looking for the ultimate dessert to impress at your next celebration? One that’s elegant, vibrant, and layered with flavor and texture? Say hello to this luscious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake – the dream dessert that merges nostalgic strawberry shortcake with rich, creamy cheesecake.

This layered masterpiece features buttery cookie crumbs, fluffy strawberry cake, and a silky cheesecake center – all topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a “treat yourself” kind of day, this showstopper will steal the spotlight and hearts of every guest.

🍓 Ingredients – Gourmet Layers of Love

FOR THE COOKIE CRUMB LAYER

36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
5–6 drops red food color gel (for deeper pink hue)

FOR THE STRAWBERRY CAKE LAYERS

1 (16.5 oz) box Strawberry Supreme cake mix
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix (enhances flavor & color)

FOR THE CHEESECAKE LAYER

¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature

FOR THE FROSTING

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Optional gourmet upgrades:

Add ½ tsp lemon zest to frosting for brightness
Drizzle top with white chocolate ganache
Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for deeper flavor

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Chef Secrets!)

1. Make the Cookie Crumb Layer

In a food processor, pulse cookies until coarsely crushed. Mix with strawberry gelatin, melted butter, and food coloring gel. Press into a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 7–10 minutes. Let cool, then crumble again and set aside.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin in a large bowl. Beat for 2 minutes. Divide into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 23–25 minutes. Let cool completely.

3. Make the Cheesecake Layer

Lower oven to 325°F. In a bowl, mix sugar and cornstarch. Beat in softened cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla, followed by eggs one at a time. Pour into a greased springform pan and bake for 50–60 minutes in a water bath. Chill completely (preferably overnight).

4. Whip Up the Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, and heavy cream until fluffy. Add vanilla and gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth and pipeable.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place one strawberry cake layer on a plate
Spread a layer of frosting and top with the chilled cheesecake
Top with second strawberry cake layer
Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting
Press cookie crumb mixture around the sides and top
Chill at least 2 hours before slicing

🍽️ Serving & Presentation

Garnish with fresh strawberries and edible flowers
Use a hot knife to slice clean, show-stopping pieces
Serve on white or gold-trimmed cake plates for elegance

🌟 Celebrity Chef Endorsements

Gordon Ramsay: “The balance of creamy, tart, and crumbly is spot on.”
Ina Garten: “It’s a layered dessert dream – comfort and class.”
Nigella Lawson: “A playful twist on a nostalgic classic. Irresistible.”
Bobby Flay: “Elevated and indulgent — this is how you layer flavor.”
Christina Tosi: “Reminds me of childhood, but gourmet!”
Jamie Oliver: “Fresh strawberries meet silky cheesecake – brilliant!”
Rachael Ray: “Family-friendly and wow-worthy. Love it!”
Martha Stewart: “This is a centerpiece cake — visually stunning.”
Ree Drummond: “Strawberry shortcake, but make it cheesecake heaven.”
Curtis Stone: “A feast for the eyes and the taste buds.”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make all components a day ahead and assemble before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Only for garnish or puree – not in the cake layers.
How long does it keep? Up to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze it? Yes – freeze assembled cake without frosting for up to 1 month.
Is this gluten-free? Not as written, but you can use GF cake mix and cookies.
Can I use a different cake mix? Yes, vanilla or white cake with strawberry puree works too.
Is it very sweet? It’s rich but balanced – reduce sugar in frosting if needed.
Do I need a springform pan? Highly recommended for the cheesecake layer.
Can I make it into cupcakes? Yes – use mini cheesecakes and strawberry cupcakes instead.
Can I skip the cookie layer? Yes, but it adds great crunch and color.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 12 servings)

Calories: 560
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 310mg
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 34g
Protein: 7g
Vitamin A: 18% DV
Calcium: 12% DV
Iron: 6% DV

🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer (whole cake): Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 1 month.
Freezer (slice): Individually wrap slices for grab-and-go treats.
Thawing: Thaw in fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving.

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💬 Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is not just a dessert — it’s an experience. The layers, the flavor, the texture — it’s a celebration in every slice. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your blog readers, this one is guaranteed to make you the star of the show.

So go ahead, save this recipe, share it on Pinterest, and serve it up chilled with pride. 🍓💖