Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake! This sweet treat is like a love letter to summer; its bright, fresh strawberries paired with a rich, creamy cheesecake make my heart sing. Every time I whip this up, I’m reminded of lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she’d teach me the art of baking with her legendary cakes and pies. The blend of flavors and textures in this cheesecake is what makes it so special—crisp cookie crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and a topping of glistening strawberries. It’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
What really gets me is how this dessert can turn any average gathering into a special occasion. Whether it’s a potluck, barbecue, or even just a casual weeknight dinner, this cheesecake never fails to impress. So, get ready to grab your mixing bowl and come along on this delicious journey!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
Strawberries: Fresh, juicy strawberries are the star of the show! I recommend using ripe, in-season berries for maximum flavor, but frozen ones will do in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well!
Vanilla Extract: For that delightful hint of sweetness and depth of flavor. I always choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for that authentic taste.
Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious creaminess to the cheesecake and makes the whipped topping extra fluffy.
Cream Cheese: The base of our cheesecake! I always use full-fat cream cheese for the best consistency and flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They create a wonderful crunchy base for our cheesecake. Make sure to crush them finely for a smooth crust!
Butter: A little melted butter helps bind the graham cracker crumbs together for a stable crust.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Good for You?
Well, let’s keep it real; this is a dessert we’re talking about! While it’s rich and indulgent, there are ways to feel a bit better about indulging.
Strawberries: These little gems are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. They help provide a burst of freshness to the cake and a boost of nutrients!
Granulated Sugar: As tasty as it is, we should definitely watch our sugar intake, especially if we’re trying to be healthier. You can always reduce the sugar a bit or swap it out for a natural sweetener if you’re up for experimenting.
Of course, moderation is key! Enjoying a slice or two is perfectly fine, especially on special occasions.
Ingredients
– 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup melted butter
– 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup sugar (for filling)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced, plus more for topping)
This recipe makes about 12 servings of this dreamy cheesecake!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the crushed graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. Remove and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
6. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
7. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking!
8. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
9. Top with sliced strawberries before serving. Enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!
Strawberry Shortcake Dreams Come True!
– For a fun twist, try adding some lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture for a zingy kick!
– If you want a different flavor profile, you could replace the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry cheesecake.
– Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!
I hope you give this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake a try! It’s one of those recipes that makes everything just a little bit sweeter. If you do make it, I would absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you—you can always drop me a message and share your delicious experience! Happy baking, my friends!
