Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This delightful dessert combines the best of both worlds—cheesecake and strawberry shortcake—into one show-stopping cake. With rich cheesecake, moist strawberry cake layers, and a cookie crumb topping, it’s sure to impress at any occasion!

Ingredients:

Cookie Crumb Layer:

• 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
• 3 ounces strawberry gelatin mix
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 5 to 6 drops red food color gel

Strawberry Cake Layers:

• 16.5 ounces Strawberry Supreme cake mix
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 ounces strawberry gelatin mix

Cheesecake Layer:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce packages)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Crumb Layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the coarsely crushed cookies into two small mixing bowls.
In one bowl, add 1 ounce of strawberry gelatin mix and stir to combine.
In the other bowl, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix well.
Add 5 to 6 drops of red food coloring gel to the remaining melted butter. Pour the tinted butter over the strawberry gelatin crumb mixture and stir well to ensure the color is evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the plain and strawberry cookie crumbs evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
2. Bake the Strawberry Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray.
In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, combine cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin mix. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 24 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool on a rack. Once cooled, remove from pans.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and generously spray with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat together cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Reduce speed to low, add eggs one at a time, and mix until well incorporated.
Slowly add the sugar-cornstarch mixture and mix until smooth.
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then cover tightly and freeze for 1 hour.
4. Prepare the Frosting:

In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat together cream cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter on medium-high speed for 1½ to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Lower the mixer speed and gradually add vanilla extract.
Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low. Increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake:

Place one strawberry cake layer on your serving plate. Spread ¼ cup of frosting evenly on top.
Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on top of the frosted cake layer.
Spread another ¼ cup of frosting over the cheesecake layer.
Place the remaining strawberry cake layer on top.
Spread the remaining frosting over the entire cake.
Break up the cooled cookie crumbs and sprinkle them over the top and sides of the cake. Gently press the crumbs onto the sides.
6. Serve:

Chill the assembled cake for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!
This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity flavors of strawberry shortcake, all topped with a delightful cookie crumb crust.