Oh, where do I even begin with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake? This delightful dessert is like a sweet love letter to summer, and I can’t get enough of it! I first stumbled upon this recipe at a picnic years ago when a friend brought it along, and it was an instant hit. I remember standing by the dessert table, eyes wide with excitement, as I watched everyone eagerly dig in. The combination of creamy cheesecake, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries is a game-changer, and now it has become a staple at every gathering I host.
What makes this cheesecake even more special is that it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, despite looking like a total showstopper! Each bite feels like a celebration of sunshine and sweetness, making it the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve it (and trust me, you do!). Plus, I have a few fun tips and tricks up my sleeve to help you make it stand out!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dessert a dream come true:
Graham Cracker Crust: The foundation of our cheesecake! I like to use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for convenience, but you can crush whole graham crackers if you prefer a bit more crunch.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake! Full-fat cream cheese provides that rich and creamy texture we all love. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly!
Sugar: Because we want this dessert sweet! Granulated sugar will help balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the sweetness perfectly. I recommend using full-fat sour cream for the best results!
Eggs: These are essential for binding everything together and giving the cheesecake its structure.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla is a must! It elevates the flavor of the cheesecake and makes it more aromatic.
Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, fresh strawberries are what bring this cheesecake to the next level. When they’re in season, you can’t skip using them! They create a beautiful topping that’s irresistible.
Whipped Cream: To finish it off! Homemade whipped cream is easy to make and tastes so much fresher than store-bought—plus, it just looks gorgeous on top.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Good for You?
Let’s be honest; cheesecake isn’t exactly a health food, but it has its perks if enjoyed in moderation!
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Both provide calcium and protein, which is a nice bonus. Plus, the presence of strawberries adds dietary fiber and vitamin C, making each slice a tiny bit more nutritious!
Fresh Strawberries: Not only do they taste amazing, but they also come packed with antioxidants and health benefits. However, if you’re watching your sugar intake, keep in mind the added sugars in the cheesecake itself.
In short, this dessert is a treat to enjoy in moderation. If you’re looking for an indulgent dessert that might still have a few redeeming qualities, this is it!
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 10 slices, so gather the following:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup sour cream
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then let it cool.
3. While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. I like using an electric mixer to get it nice and fluffy!
4. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep it light!
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking!
7. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
8. When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake.
9. Finally, top with sliced strawberries. Arrange them in a beautiful pattern if you’re feeling fancy!
Sweet Tips and Tricks!
– If you want to add a bit of flair, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce or a strawberry glaze over the top before serving.
– Experiment! You could swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if you’re in the mood for a different flavor.
– This cheesecake freezes wonderfully! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and you can enjoy it later. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
I really hope you give this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser and always brings smiles around the table! I’d love to hear how it goes; feel free to share your experiences or any variations you tried. Happy baking!
