Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe With Fresh Berries 2024

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Prep time: 6 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 1/4 cup sugar; – 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; – 5 tablespoons salted butter; – 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; – 1/4 cup sugar; – 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch; – 1 tablespoon water; – 1/4 cup strawberry puree; – 2 pounds strawberries; – 24 ounces cream cheese; – 1/2 cup sugar; – 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream; – 1/2 cup powdered sugar; – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; – 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream; – 1/4 cup powdered sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of simple desserts that blend fruity flavors with creamy goodness, this strawberry shortcake cheesecake hits the spot. It combines fresh berries and creamy layers for a treat that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone with more experience, this recipe brings together the best of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake in one delightful dish.

One reason to try this strawberry shortcake cheesecake is its straightforward preparation. It involves basic steps that fit into a busy schedule, making it ideal for home cooks and busy parents alike. Plus, the use of fresh berries adds a natural sweetness that enhances the creamy layers without extra effort.

This recipe also stands out for its health perks. Using fresh strawberries means you’re getting vitamins and antioxidants in every bite. It’s a fun way to enjoy a dessert that feels indulgent yet supports a balanced diet, appealing to diet-conscious individuals and food enthusiasts.

Beyond that, the strawberry shortcake cheesecake with creamy layers offers plenty of ways to adapt it. You can tweak it for different needs, like making it gluten-free or vegan, which makes it versatile for families with varied preferences. This flexibility helps everyone from students to seniors find a version they love.

Key Benefits of Fresh Berries

Fresh berries like strawberries bring vibrant color and taste to this strawberry shortcake cheesecake recipe with fresh berries. They provide natural sweetness and nutrients that make the dessert feel lighter. Incorporating them keeps the recipe approachable and full of real flavors that connect with everyday eaters.

Isabella Hayes shares her passion for cooking through recipes like this one on her blog at recipes for fun berry treats. Her goal is to inspire readers to try new things in the kitchen and enjoy meals with loved ones.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
2. Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
5. Mastering Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
8. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great strawberry shortcake cheesecake. This section breaks down everything you need for the shortcake, strawberry sauce, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream. I’ll list them out clearly so you can follow along without any confusion.

Start with high-quality items for the best results. Fresh berries are crucial for that burst of flavor, and creamy layers come from simple dairy products. This makes the recipe accessible for baking enthusiasts and working professionals who want something homemade.

Shortcake Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
5 tablespoons salted butter
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Strawberry Sauce Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup strawberry puree (from about 10 strawberries)

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

2 pounds strawberries
24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Ingredients

1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients create the perfect balance of fresh berries and creamy layers in your strawberry shortcake cheesecake. Always use the exact amounts for the best outcome, as they ensure the texture and flavor come together just right.

How to Prepare the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Step-by-Step Guide

Making a strawberry shortcake cheesecake is easier than it sounds, even if you’re new to baking. Follow these steps to get creamy layers and fresh berries in every slice. We’ll go through each part to help you build confidence in the kitchen.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This sets the stage for a smooth baking process and prevents any sticking issues.

Next, for the shortcake, blend 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a food processor. Add 5 tablespoons salted butter and pulse until it looks like coarse crumbs, then gradually add 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream until the dough forms.

Shape the dough into a ball, knead it gently five times on a non-stick surface, press it evenly into the pan, and bake for about 20 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.

Creating the Strawberry Sauce

For the sauce, mix 1/4 cup sugar and 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch in a saucepan, then stir in 1/4 cup strawberry puree and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and boils. Let it boil for one minute, then cool it thoroughly. This step adds a fresh berry touch that enhances the overall flavor.

Now, prepare the cheesecake filling by spraying the springform pan with non-stick spray, placing the cooled shortcake at the bottom, and lining the inner edge with parchment paper. Slice 6 to 10 strawberries and stand them upright around the edge.

Beat 24 ounces cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth, then whip 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two parts and spread 1/2 cup over the shortcake base.

Arrange 18 to 24 strawberries, tops down, over the filling, then spread the rest of the mixture over them. Refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours until set. For the final assembly, remove from the pan, pipe whipped cream around the top, add sliced strawberries inside the border, and drizzle with sauce.

The total prep time is 1 hour 15 minutes, chill time is 5 hours, and it yields 12 to 14 slices. This makes it a great option for family gatherings or meal prep for busy parents.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Everyone has different needs, so adapting this strawberry shortcake cheesecake recipe with fresh berries is simple. You can swap ingredients to fit vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie diets without losing the creamy layers and fresh taste.

For the cream cheese, use almond-based or soy-based options for plant-based diets. Replace sour cream with coconut cream to keep things dairy-free, and for added protein, blend in silken tofu. These changes help maintain the creamy texture while making it healthier.

Substitute fresh strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for variety.
Use agave or maple syrup instead of sugar to cut calories.
Opt for gluten-free flour in the shortcake for those with restrictions.

These tweaks let you enjoy the strawberry shortcake cheesecake with creamy layers in a way that suits your lifestyle, perfect for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Mastering Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have the basics down, try some advanced tips to improve your strawberry shortcake cheesecake. Using a water bath while baking helps avoid cracks and keeps the creamy layers smooth. Always let the shortcake and sauce cool fully before assembly to ensure everything sets properly.

For flavor twists, add fresh mint or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing note. You can also make a layered parfait with shortcake crumbs, filling, and strawberry slices for a fun presentation. Remember not to overwork the dough to keep it tender, and use medium-sized strawberries for even layering.

If you’re planning ahead, prepare the cheesecake a day early and store it in the fridge. For more ideas, check out another berry dessert option on Isabella’s blog, which pairs well with this recipe.

Tip Category	Suggestion
Baking Technique	Use a water bath to prevent cracking.
Flavor Add-ins	Infuse with mint or lemon zest.
Storage Advice	Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your strawberry shortcake cheesecake fresh and tasty. Keep it in the fridge covered for up to 5 days to hold onto those creamy layers. For longer keep, freeze slices wrapped in plastic, but avoid it if possible since fresh berries might get watery.

When you’re ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps with meal prep, especially for working professionals who want quick desserts on hand.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

What ingredients do I need to make the shortcake layer for a strawberry shortcake cheesecake?

To make the shortcake layer, you will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salted butter, and heavy cream. These ingredients combine to create a tender, slightly sweet base that complements the creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries.

How can I make strawberry sauce for strawberry shortcake cheesecake?

To prepare the strawberry sauce, mix sugar, cornstarch, strawberry puree, and water in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and reaches a boil. Let it boil for about one minute, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using.

What is the best method to prepare the cheesecake filling for strawberry shortcake cheesecake?

Start by beating cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and light in texture.

How long should I refrigerate strawberry shortcake cheesecake for it to set properly?

After assembling the cheesecake layers, chill the dessert in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours. This chilling time allows the cheesecake filling to firm up and hold its shape, ensuring a clean slice and the right creamy texture when served.

How should leftover strawberry shortcake cheesecake be stored to maintain freshness?

Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Avoid freezing because fresh strawberries can release juices upon thawing, which may affect the texture and taste of the cheesecake negatively.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe with Fresh Berries and Creamy Layers