This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake brings the best of two beloved desserts into one dreamy creation. Imagine a buttery vanilla cookie crust topped with the creamiest classic cheesecake, then layered with fluffy whipped cream and mountains of fresh, juicy strawberries.

It’s refreshing, luscious, and bursting with real berry flavor in every bite. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day… or any moment that deserves a touch of sweetness.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant beauty
• Creamy cheesecake + whipped cream + fruit = perfect balance
• No artificial flavors — real berries shine!
• Easy to decorate beautifully without advanced skills
• Impresses guests like a bakery masterpiece

Why You Must Try It

• A lighter feel than heavy chocolate cheesecakes
• A total showstopper dessert that looks as good as it tastes
• Great for any celebration or picnic
• Can be made ahead, leaving you stress-free at serving time!

Time, Servings & Nutritional Info

Category	Details
Prep Time	30 minutes
Bake Time	55–65 minutes + cooling
Chill Time	Minimum 4 hours
Servings	10–12 slices
Calories	~485 kcal per slice (approx.)
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American Bakery Style

Ingredients

Vanilla Cookie Crust

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Zest from ½ lemon (optional, enhances berry flavor)

Strawberry Shortcake Topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (for garnish)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional garnish: crushed shortbread cookies

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 — Bake the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C
2. Mix crushed cookies + sugar + melted butter
3. Press firmly into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan
4. Bake 8–10 minutes, let cool slightly

Step 2 — Make Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat cream cheese & sugar until smooth and creamy
2. Add sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest — mix gently
3. Add cornstarch
4. Add eggs one at a time (low speed → no cracks)
5. Pour over crust

Step 3 — Bake Cheesecake

1. Place pan in water bath (optional for crack-free top)
2. Bake 55–65 minutes — center still slightly jiggly
3. Turn off oven, crack door → rest 1 hour
4. Chill in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight

Step 4 — Prepare Strawberry Topping

1. Mix diced strawberries + sugar + lemon juice
2. Refrigerate to release natural juices (maceration!)

Step 5 — Assemble

1. Spread macerated strawberries over chilled cheesecake
2. Whip cream + powdered sugar + vanilla → soft peaks
3. Pipe or spread around edges/on top
4. Add sliced strawberries and cookie crumbs if desired

How to Serve

• Serve cold for best texture
• Add extra strawberries just before serving
• Pair with lemonade, rosé wine, or afternoon tea
• Clean slice trick: warm and wipe knife between each cut!

Recipe Tips for Success

✔ Don’t overbeat the eggs
✔ Use brick-style cream cheese (not spread)
✔ Always chill fully before topping
✔ Water bath ensures silky texture & no cracks
✔ Fresh seasonal strawberries = WOW flavor

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Variations

Variation	Description
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry	Add a layer of melted chocolate over crust before filling
No-Bake Shortcut Version	Replace filling with no-bake cheesecake mixture
Strawberry Swirl	Swirl strawberry purée into filling before baking
Berry Medley	Use raspberries + blueberries for patriotic holidays
Gluten-Free	Use GF cookies for crust

Storage & Freezing Guide

Where	How Long	Tip
Refrigerator	4–5 days	Store covered airtight
Freezer (without fresh berries)	Up to 2 months	Add toppings after thawing
Leftovers with berries on top	2–3 days	Fruit may release extra juices

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Large roasting pan for water bath
• Piping bag with star tip (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes for the macerated topping, but fresh looks and tastes much better for garnish.

Q: Can I skip the water bath?
A: Yes — small cracks are OK because toppings hide them well!

Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Absolutely! Reduce cheesecake sugar by ¼ cup if desired.

Q: How do I keep strawberries fresh on top?
A: Add them just before serving and avoid overly juicy berries.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries is a celebration in dessert form—refreshing, luxurious, and visually stunning. It combines the nostalgic taste of shortcake with the indulgence of creamy cheesecake.

Every slice is bright, happy, and bursting with fresh berry goodness. Perfect for impressing guests and making any occasion unforgettable!