Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of creamy cheesecake and nostalgic strawberry shortcake. With layers of rich cream cheese filling, sweet strawberry compote, and a buttery crumb topping, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for parties, birthdays, or when you just want to indulge. Whether you’re hunting for easy dessert ideas, quick birthday recipes, or a show-stopping cake for your next gathering, this easy recipe ticks every box. It’s a dreamy blend of texture and flavor that always leaves guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or Golden Oreos/vanilla wafers)
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
1/3 cup melted butter
3 (8 oz) blocks full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup strawberry compote or jam
Optional: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken compote)
Optional: 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Mix crushed cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter in a food processor until crumbly.
2. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a springform pan lined with parchment paper to form a crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid incorporating air.
5. Spread strawberry compote or jam over the crust layer. Optionally swirl some into the batter for a marbled look.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
7. Bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes. Let rest in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour.
8. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
9. Remove from pan, then coat the sides and top with remaining crumb mixture.
10. Garnish with whipped cream or fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
Always use room-temperature ingredients to avoid lumps in your batter.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies or cake in the crumb layers.
Chilling the cheesecake overnight ensures clean slices and the best texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, shortcake cheesecake, birthday dessert, summer cake, easy dessert