Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

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🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake 🍓
A true showstopper dessert layered with soft white cake, rich and creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberry glaze, and a buttery, crunchy strawberry crumble. This nostalgic treat is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that evokes the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar — but in grand cheesecake form! Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your tastebuds and your guests.

🥄 History & Origins

The idea for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake stems from two beloved desserts: the New York-style cheesecake and the famous Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars. This mashup became viral on social media for its over-the-top presentation and nostalgic flavor. Home bakers began replicating this layered creation, combining cake, cheesecake, and the iconic crunchy topping for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

🍰 Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

  • 1 box white cake mix (or homemade equivalent)
  • Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 15 Golden Oreos
  • 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish:

  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberries
  • White chocolate drizzle

🔪 Instructions

🧁 Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare white cake batter according to box directions.
  3. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and divide the batter evenly.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let cakes cool completely, then level the tops if needed.

🍮 Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  4. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
  5. Bake in a water bath for 55–65 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly.
  6. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.

🍓 Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze

  1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries and sugar over medium heat.
  2. Stir until berries soften and release juices.
  3. Mix cornstarch and water in a separate cup, then stir into strawberry mixture.
  4. Simmer until thickened. Add lemon juice, stir, and cool.

🍪 Step 4: Make the Crunch Topping

  1. In a food processor, pulse Oreos into coarse crumbs.
  2. Mix with Jell-O powder and melted butter until crumbly.
  3. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
  4. Let cool completely before using.

🏗️ Assembly (Formation)

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top.
  3. Add the second cake layer.
  4. Pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the top.
  5. Press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides and around the edges of the cake.
  6. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or white chocolate drizzle if desired.

❤️ Lovers of This Dessert Say…

  • “It tastes just like the strawberry shortcake bars from my childhood!”
  • “A stunning centerpiece and even better than it looks.”
  • “The perfect mix of creamy, fruity, and crunchy.”

🧠 Tips & Lovers’ Methods

  • Use cake strips around your pans for flat cake layers.
  • Freeze the cheesecake layer slightly for easier stacking.
  • Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.
  • Let the cake come to room temperature for best texture before serving.

🎯 Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the ultimate layered dessert for strawberry lovers and nostalgia seekers. It brings together layers of airy cake, luscious cheesecake, bright strawberry glaze, and a crunchy cookie coating into one unforgettable bite. Share it with your loved ones — or keep it all for yourself. Either way, it’s bound to be a dessert legend in your home!

Let me know if you want a chocolate version, mini cheesecakes, or a no-bake version!

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