Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

by

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe 🍓🍰

Introduction: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts—strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake—into one show-stopping treat. Perfect for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little indulgence, this dessert combines the buttery, crumbly texture of a shortcake crust, the velvety smoothness of a cheesecake layer, and the fresh burst of strawberries on top. With a crunchy crumble to finish, every bite delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.

This dessert is not only rich and decadent but also offers a beautiful balance of sweet and tart. The strawberry topping brings freshness, while the cheesecake provides a luxurious and creamy base. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover, a shortcake enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-made dessert, this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake will quickly become your new favorite.

Ingredients:

Shortcake Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer:

  • 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Strawberry Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)

Crunchy Crumble:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Shortcake Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs (sandy texture).
  4. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Stir until the dough comes together. You may need to add a little extra cream to help it form into a dough.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the springform pan, ensuring a smooth and compact crust.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely in the pan.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Be sure not to overmix to avoid incorporating too much air.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix until smooth.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

  1. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly jiggly.
  2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 15–20 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
  3. Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes to allow the strawberries to macerate and release their juices.
  3. If desired, add a tablespoon of strawberry jam to the mixture for added shine and sweetness.
  4. Drain any excess liquid from the strawberries if needed.

5. Make the Crunchy Crumble:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crumble.
  2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
  3. If desired, mix in the chopped toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
  4. Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
  5. Allow the crumble to cool completely.

6. Assemble the Cheesecake:

  1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
  2. Spoon the macerated strawberries onto the center of the cheesecake, letting the juices flow over the edges.
  3. Generously sprinkle the cooled crumble over the top of the cheesecake, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
  4. Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is an absolute showstopper and a delightful twist on the traditional cheesecake. With its layers of buttery shortcake crust, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and crunchy crumble topping, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing with joy. It’s ideal for sharing with loved ones and perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family get-togethers to casual summer afternoons.

A Brief History of Strawberry Shortcake & Cheesecake:

Strawberry Shortcake: Strawberry shortcake has been a beloved dessert in the United States since the 19th century. The early versions of this dessert were made with a biscuit-like shortcake, sweetened with sugar and layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Over time, the recipe evolved, and today it’s enjoyed with various types of cakes or biscuits, with strawberries and whipped cream remaining the centerpiece.

Cheesecake: Cheesecake, on the other hand, has a long history dating back to ancient Greece, where it was enjoyed as a simple dish made with cheese, honey, and flour. However, the cheesecake we know today, with a creamy filling made of cream cheese and eggs, originated in the early 20th century in New York City, where it became popular due to the development of cream cheese. The iconic New York-style cheesecake is known for its dense, creamy texture and often served with fruit or fruit compote.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a relatively modern creation, combining the indulgence of cheesecake with the freshness and lightness of strawberry shortcake. It blends two classic desserts into one, offering the best of both worlds.

Lovers of This Dessert:

This dessert is for anyone who loves:

  • Rich, creamy desserts: If you’re a fan of smooth, velvety cheesecake, this is for you.
  • Fruit-based treats: The fresh strawberries give this dessert a natural sweetness and refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
  • Crunchy textures: The crumble topping and shortcake crust add a satisfying crunch, providing a nice balance to the creamy filling.

Whether you’re a cheesecake connoisseur, a shortcake lover, or just someone who loves desserts in general, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is bound to become a favorite. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a little indulgence by yourself!

Enjoy every sweet, creamy, and fruity bite! 🍓🍰✨

Leave a Comment