Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly shortcake crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a weekend treat, it offers a perfect balance of rich creaminess and refreshing sweetness with vibrant color and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed shortcake biscuits
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sugar for macerating strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Begin by crushing graham crackers or shortcake biscuits into fine crumbs. In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, mixing until smooth. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, sour cream or heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest or juice. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture light and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, cover the cheesecake tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavors.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Before serving, arrange sliced fresh strawberries generously over the top. Optional: macerate strawberries with sugar for 10-15 minutes to create a glaze and spoon over the berries to enhance sweetness and appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; a slightly jiggly center prevents cracks and dryness.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Use ripe, in-season fresh strawberries for maximum sweetness and color vibrancy.
- Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap while chilling to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, strawberry dessert, creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, homemade cheesecake, easy dessert