Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is that one treat I wish someone had shown me years ago. The first time I had it, was at my cousin’s birthday—and no one could stop talking about it. The layers are stunning, it looks like something from a five-star restaurant, and seriously, it disappears in ten minutes flat at family gatherings. If you’re tired of the usual brownies or boxed cake mix, trust me, this is such a fun upgrade. Let’s chase those compliments and get you a super tasty dessert for your next get-together.
What Is Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake ?
Here’s the thing. This cake isn’t your grandma’s Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake, and it’s definitely not just a cheesecake. It’s a mash-up of, well, both. Imagine creamy cheesecake in the middle of two fluffy shortcake layers, topped with fresh strawberries and a dreamy whipped topping. Every slice is…dare I say…an Instagram moment. My family jokes that it’s extra, but what’s wrong with a little drama on a dessert plate? If you’re after something show-stopping, but still homey and edible (none of those weird, glossy fondant cakes, thanks), this one’s it.
One summer BBQ, I brought this over and folks were snapping photos before eating. That’s a first for my crew. So, if you’re aiming to wow people and want something with bright, fruity flavor, this cake delivers. You don’t need to be a pastry chef either. If I can pull this off with my clumsy oven skills, so can you!
Ingredients Needed for a Semi-Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
You’re not gonna believe how doable this is. Some recipes are tricky, but I found a way to make it semi-homemade and it turns out just as delicious. Plus, everyone will think you slaved all day in the kitchen (let them think that!).
For the cake part, I use a simple vanilla cake mix. Trust me, no shame in boxed mixes. Next comes store-bought or homemade cheesecake, whichever floats your boat. Cream cheese is the key. Don’t go low-fat unless you’re on a mission. Fresh strawberries are the showstopper—get the juiciest you can find. Oh, and don’t leave out heavy whipping cream. You want those classic shortcake vibes.
A quick dash of vanilla and some sugar, and you’re pretty much there. Sometimes I add a handful of strawberries right into the batter for good measure. The best part? You probably have most of this stuff sitting in your pantry.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
Okay, call me chatty, but you’re gonna thank me for the step-by-step. Start with the cake mix and bake two round cakes. They look a little plain at first, which is fine. While that’s happening, tackle the cheesecake layer. The trickiest bit is letting it cool. I can’t count how many times I cut into a cheesecake too early—never again.
Once everything’s totally cool (I mean it, let patience win), stack a cake layer, the cheesecake, then the second cake layer. Gently, or you’ll get some lopsided Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa situation. Next, whip up your cream (if you’re using the real deal) and slap it on top with a spatula. It does not need to be fancy, as long as it tastes good.
Finish with sliced strawberries on top. Sometimes I get wild and add a little strawberry sauce I made with sugar and mashed berries. It’s a sticky, messy masterpiece that just screams summer energy.
“This cake was the highlight at my daughter’s birthday party. Even folks who ‘aren’t dessert people’ wanted seconds!” — Shannon, neighbor and notorious dessert skeptic.
How To Store Your Cake
I could write a book about leftovers—mainly because I’m always looking for ways to make desserts last. This cake keeps best in the fridge. Just cover it with plastic wrap or pop it in a cake saver if you’ve got one. Air is not its friend. The cheesecake layer gets a little sad if left out.
It’ll last about three days. The strawberries might get a touch mushy after a while, but no big deal. Personally, I’ve even sliced the cake and stashed individual pieces in containers (grab-n-go dessert, yes please). You can freeze it if you’re really on top of things. Just know the texture isn’t the same, but hey, still tasty.
What To Serve With It
Serving this Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is shockingly easy. Here’s what works best:
- Pour a little extra strawberry syrup over each slice for dramatic effect.
- Serve with fresh mint leaves to look all Pinterest-y.
- Cold lemonade or iced tea just makes it scream summer picnic.
You don’t need much else—this cake is the main act. Too many extras and you’ll miss the magic.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Totally. Just thaw and drain ‘em first or things get watery.
Q: Do I really need to chill the cheesecake layer all the way?
A: Please do. Hot cheesecake in the middle is not a vibe, trust me.
Q: Is this cake super sweet?
A: It’s sweet but not cloying. The fresh berries balance everything.
Q: Can I skip the homemade whipped cream?
A: Yep! Store-bought cool whip works in a pinch, just don’t tell my grandma.
Q: Will gluten-free cake mix work?
A: I tried it once for my sister-in-law. Worked fine, just a little crumbly.
You (& Your Fork) Deserve This Cake
Alright, if you read all this and aren’t itching to make a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake, color me shocked. This recipe turns any Thursday night into an event. It’s pretty (like, legit bake-off pretty), super tasty, and honestly, anyone can pull it off. For some more inspiration or a slightly different take, check out the version from My Incredible Recipes or take a peek at I Heart Recipes if you want to compare notes and methods. Give this a whirl at your next party or, y’know, just because. You’re gonna fall in love—I’ll bet my last strawberry on it.
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 1 box vanilla cake mix Use a simple vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup water As directed on the cake mix box
- 1/2 cup oil As directed on the cake mix box
- 3 large eggs As directed on the cake mix box
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese Full-fat for best flavor
- 1 cup sugar Adjust to taste
- 3 large eggs Add one at a time during mixing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract For flavoring
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh strawberries Sliced for topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream For making whipped cream
- 2 tbsp sugar To sweeten the whipped cream
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat the oven and prepare two round cake pans.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions and pour it evenly into two prepared pans.
- Bake the cakes as directed until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
Cheesecake Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in sugar, eggs one at a time, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into a prepared baking dish and bake at 325°F until set. Allow cooling completely.
Assembly
- Once the cake and cheesecake layers have fully cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter.
- Spread the cheesecake layer over the first cake layer.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Whip the heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form and spread it over the top of the cake.
- Finish by decorating with sliced strawberries on top.
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