Introduction:
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake – the name alone is enough to make mouths water and hearts flutter. This delightful dessert combines the best of two worlds: the creamy richness of cheesecake and the fruity freshness of strawberry shortcake. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful layers of flavor and share a step-by-step guide to creating your own Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake.
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
1 cup chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter softened and cut into 1 Tbsp pieces
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 cup strawberry puree cooled
Pink food coloring optional
1 3 oz box strawberry gelatin mix
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz 2 packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
Frosting:
16 oz 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
8 oz 1 package cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy cream
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Strawberry Crumble Topping:
24 Golden Oreo cookies crushed
1/4 cup thawed whipped topping
3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder
Instructions:
Cheesecake
Preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Prepare an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
In a stand mixer bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1⁄2 cup sugar on medium-high speed for 5-6 minutes until light and fluffy.
On low speed, slowly mix in 2 Tbsp flour. Increase speed to medium and mix for 2-3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl.
On low speed, add 2 eggs one at a time, fully incorporating between additions. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix 1-2 minutes.
On low speed, add 1⁄4 cup whipping cream. Gradually increase speed to high and mix 3 minutes.
Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan. Tap gently to release any air bubbles.
Bake 10 minutes at 350°F then reduce to 200°F and bake 55-60 minutes until center slightly jiggles and edges are set.
Turn oven off and leave cheesecake to cool inside for 15 minutes. Remove and finish cooling to room temperature on a wire rack. Refrigerate 2 hours up to overnight, until chilled and firm.
Cake Layers
Prepare strawberry puree by boiling 1 cup chopped strawberries, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 box strawberry gelatin, and 1⁄4 cup water for 2-3 minutes. Puree mixture in a food processor. Allow to cool completely.
Whisk together 2 1⁄2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1⁄2 tsp baking soda.
On low speed, slowly mix 1 cup cubed butter into dry ingredients, until crumbly texture forms.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 3 eggs, and cooled strawberry puree.
With mixer on low, slowly pour egg mixture into dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Add pink food coloring if using. Mix 3 minutes high speed.
Divide evenly between 2 nine-inch cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes then on a wire rack. Allow layers to completely come to room temperature.
Frosting
With a mixer, beat 2 sticks softened butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
On low speed, add 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
With mixer still running, slowly add 3-4 cups powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping between additions. Mix 2-3 minutes high speed, until frosting is creamy.
Add 3 Tbsp heavy cream, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated.
Crumble Topping
Pulse 24 golden Oreo cookies in a food processor until coarsely crushed. Set aside 1⁄2 of the crumbs.
To the remaining Oreo crumbs, add 1⁄4 cup thawed whipped topping and 3 Tbsp strawberry gelatin powder. Mix with a fork until well blended.
Gently fold in reserved plain crumbs until just combined.
Assembly
Place one cake layer face-down onto serving plate or cake stand.
Evenly spread 3⁄4 cup frosting. Top with cheesecake layer, first removing springform pan sides, then parchment paper.
Evenly cover cheesecake layer with more frosting then top with second cake round.
Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Gently pat crumb topping onto frosting, coating the top and sides completely.
Chill cake until 30 minutes before serving. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes for best flavor.
Enjoy!
Layer 1: The Shortcake Base The foundation of this indulgent dessert is a buttery, crumbly shortcake base. To achieve the perfect texture, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in milk until a dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased springform pan and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, this shortcake layer provides a deliciously sturdy base for the layers to come.
Layer 2: The Creamy Cheesecake Filling Next comes the creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled shortcake base and spread it evenly. Bake until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Layer 3: Fresh Strawberry Topping Now, it’s time to add a burst of freshness with a layer of fresh strawberries. Slice ripe strawberries and arrange them in a single layer on top of the cooled cheesecake. For an extra pop of flavor, you can toss the strawberries in a bit of sugar or drizzle them with strawberry glaze.
Layer 4: Whipped Cream Frosting To finish off this masterpiece, top the strawberry layer with a generous dollop of whipped cream. You can use store-bought whipped topping or make your own by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the strawberries, creating swirls and peaks for a decorative touch.
Assembly and Serving: Once assembled, chill the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. When ready to serve, carefully remove the cake from the springform pan and slice into generous portions. Garnish each slice with a fresh strawberry or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
FAQ’s
- What is a Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake? A: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake with the creamy richness of cheesecake. It typically consists of layers of buttery shortcake, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream frosting.
- Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can certainly make this dessert ahead of time. In fact, it often benefits from being made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly. Simply store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? A: While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using, as excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake.
- How long does Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake last? A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake can last for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness.
- Can I customize the recipe to suit dietary restrictions? A: Absolutely! There are many ways to customize the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free flour for the shortcake base, dairy-free cream cheese for the cheesecake filling, and coconut whipped cream for the frosting. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness level by reducing the amount of sugar or using alternative sweeteners.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake is a dessert fit for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. With its layers of buttery shortcake, creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a true delight for the senses. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of bliss today. Your taste buds will thank you!
