Short Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is an eye-catching, decadent dessert that fuses creamy white chocolate cheesecake with layers of moist strawberry cake, all wrapped in a luscious cream cheese buttercream and topped with a nostalgic strawberry shortcake crumble. This showstopper is as delicious as it is beautiful—perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Desserts in One: A delightful combination of strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake.

Stunning Presentation: Layered and topped with strawberry crumble for a bakery-quality finish.

Customizable: Easy to adapt with flavor variations, different crumbles, or fruit fillings.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Best when chilled overnight, making it ideal for planning ahead.

Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress guests with this indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham Cracker Crust:

18–20 graham crackers (or 1½ cups pre-crushed crumbs)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

White Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip

1 cup white chocolate chips

½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Strawberry Cake Layers:

1 box strawberry cake mix

Water, vegetable oil, and eggs (as per package instructions)

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

8 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Red food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired

Crumble Topping:

1 (10.6 oz) package white wafer cookies (strawberry or vanilla flavored)

Reserved cake tops, crumbled

Red food coloring

Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a ziplock bag.

Mix the crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a parchment-lined springform pan.

Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy.

Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Quickly blend the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture.

Pour over the prepared crust and spread evenly.

Sprinkle the chopped strawberries on top and gently press in.

Chill in the fridge while baking the cake layers.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to the box instructions.

Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans.

Bake as directed and allow to cool completely.

Trim the tops of the cakes to create flat layers and reserve the scraps for the crumble topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Set aside 1 cup of the white frosting for assembling the layers.

Tint the remaining frosting with red food coloring to achieve a soft pink color for the exterior.

Step 5: Create the Crumble Topping
In a food processor, pulse the wafer cookies and reserved cake tops until crumbly.

Add a few drops of red food coloring and pulse again to create a pink strawberry shortcake crumble.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan.

Layer one strawberry cake round on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of white frosting, then place the cheesecake layer on top.

Add another thin layer of frosting, then top with the second strawberry cake layer.

Frost the entire cake with the pink buttercream.

Press the crumble topping around the sides and on top of the cake.

Step 7: Chill and Serve
Chill the fully assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set.

Slice with a warm knife for clean edges and serve cold.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 12–14 slices

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Chill Time: 4–6 hours minimum (overnight recommended)

Total Time: About 6–8 hours with chilling

Variations
Lemon Strawberry Version: Use lemon cake mix and lemon zest in the frosting for a citrus twist.

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the top for added flair.

Fresh Fruit Filling: Add a layer of sliced strawberries or strawberry jam between cake and cheesecake layers.

Different Crust: Use vanilla wafer cookies or golden Oreos instead of graham crackers.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Not applicable—this is a chilled dessert.

FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake without Cool Whip?
Yes, substitute with 1 cup of freshly whipped cream (whipped to stiff peaks) for a homemade alternative.

Is it safe to stack the cheesecake between cake layers?
Yes, as long as the cheesecake is firm and fully set before assembling. Chill it well for clean stacking.

What type of strawberries work best?
Use fresh, finely chopped strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the coloring is optional and purely for visual effect.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can assemble in a regular cake pan lined with parchment, but removal may be more difficult.

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed?
Absolutely. Use your favorite homemade strawberry cake recipe.

How far ahead can I make this?
Assemble the day before serving for best results and allow time to chill fully.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes, use cupcake liners and layer mini cakes, cheesecake, and frosting for individual servings.

What’s the best way to cut this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I add gelatin to the cheesecake for stability?
You can, though it’s not necessary. If desired, dissolve 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons hot water and mix into the cheesecake filling.

Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert, delivering layers of rich flavor and contrasting textures in every bite. Whether for a celebration or simply to treat yourself, this impressive dessert is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves strawberries, cheesecake, or both. Chill, slice, and enjoy a little slice of berry bliss.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes