Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with the sweet, fruity delight of strawberry shortcake. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and tender shortcake dough topping, all crowned with a luscious homemade strawberry sauce, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 large eggs
Shortcake Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Fresh mint leaves
- Extra sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar while beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add sour cream and extracts: Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing just until combined.
- Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time, gently beating after each addition to avoid overmixing and ensure a smooth texture.
- Prepare shortcake dough dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cream and vanilla: In a small bowl, combine heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this into the flour mixture and stir until just combined; the dough should be slightly shaggy.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the shortcake dough evenly on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Bake cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-70 minutes, until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Cool completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature completely.
- Chill cheesecake: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set fully.
- Prepare strawberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries release juices and the mixture simmers.
- Thicken topping: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering strawberry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Assemble topping: Once cheesecake is chilled and strawberry sauce is cooled, remove cheesecake from springform pan. Spoon strawberry topping over the cheesecake and spread evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, and extra sliced strawberries. Slice and serve your strawberry shortcake cheesecake.
Notes
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling to prevent sogginess.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to maintain a creamy texture and prevent cracks.
- Cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven helps reduce cracking on the surface.
- The almond extract in the cheesecake filling is optional but adds a lovely subtle flavor.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen berries can be used for the topping but thaw and drain excess liquid first.
