Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake
A show-stopping dessert that combines moist vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberry flavor—all in one beautiful layered treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened (3 bricks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
Vanilla Cake Layers
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
Strawberry Filling
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
⅓ cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Cream Cheese Frosting
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh strawberries
Strawberry sauce or glaze
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Layer
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add sugar and mix well.
4. Mix in lemon juice, vanilla, and sour cream.
5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
6. Pour batter into pan and bake 45–50 minutes, until set with a slight jiggle.
7. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight).
2️⃣ Prepare the Vanilla Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
6. Divide batter between pans.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely.
3️⃣ Make the Strawberry Filling
1. Cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. Stir cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
3. Let cool completely.
4️⃣ Make the Frosting
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar.
3. Mix in vanilla and cream until fluffy and spreadable.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake
1. Place one vanilla cake layer on a plate.
2. Spread strawberry filling evenly.
3. Carefully place cheesecake layer on top.
4. Add second vanilla cake layer.
5. Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
6. Decorate with strawberries and drizzle with strawberry sauce.
Chill & Serve
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing for clean layers.
Servings: 12–14
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: ~6 hours (including chilling)
If you want, I can also:
Simplify the recipe
Turn it into a no-bake version
