Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
Ingredients
Strawberry Filling
1 cup strawberries, chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cheesecake Layer
16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Layers
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and water.
Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Pour batter into the pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Make the Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Beat until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Divide batter between pans.
Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
4. Make the Whipped Frosting
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream frosting.
Add the cheesecake layer on top.
Spread the strawberry filling evenly.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the entire cake with the whipped cream frosting.
6. Decorate
Top with fresh sliced strawberries
Sprinkle crushed cookies for a shortcake crunch if desired.
Tip: Refrigerate the cake for 1–2 hours before serving so the layers set nicely.
