Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on two classic desserts! This Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines the rich and creamy texture of cheesecake with the light, fluffy goodness of strawberry shortcake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this mouthwatering dessert is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the world of luscious flavors and tantalizing textures!
A Sweet Union of Flavors
Creating a strawberry shortcake cheesecake may seem complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple and requires just a few steps. Perfect for gatherings, this dessert not only looks stunning but tastes heavenly! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh strawberries at their peak.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Shortcake Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp strawberry jam (optional)
For the Crunchy Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans (optional)
👩🍳 Directions:
Prepare the Shortcake Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the shortcake. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in the egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the dough holds together.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled shortcake crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. Turn the oven off, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional strawberry jam. Set aside for 15-20 minutes for the strawberries to macerate.
Create the Crunchy Crumble:
- In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cold cubed butter for the crumble. Mix with a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly. Add chopped almonds or pecans if desired.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Top the cooled cheesecake with the strawberry mixture and sprinkle the crunchy crumble over the top. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Homemade Strawberry Jam: For an extra burst of flavor, use homemade strawberry jam instead of store-bought.
- Swap the Nuts: Not a fan of almonds or pecans? Try using crushed graham crackers or oats for the crumble topping.
- Berry Variations: Feel free to use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, especially when strawberries are out of season.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the strawberry topping and crumble just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Q: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Q: Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
A: A springform pan is ideal because it allows for easy removal of the cheesecake. If you don’t have one, a regular cake pan can work, but be sure to line it with parchment paper.
👉 Try it now! Experience the bliss of this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, and let your friends and family in on the secret. If you make this dish, let me know in the comments or tag me — I’d love to see your version!
