Go Back

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 35 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 — Bake the Crust : Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C ,Mix crushed cookies + sugar + melted butter Press firmly into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan ,Bake 8–10 minutes, let cool slightly
  • Step 2 — Make Cheesecake Filling : Beat cream cheese u0026 sugar until smooth and creamy Add sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest — mix gently ,Add cornstarch ,Add eggs one at a time (low speed → no cracks) Pour over crust.
  • Step 3 — Bake Cheesecake : Place pan in water bath (optional for crack-free top) Bake 55–65 minutes — center still slightly jiggly Turn off oven, crack door → rest 1 hour Chill in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight
  • Step 4 — Prepare Strawberry Topping : Mix diced strawberries + sugar + lemon juice ,Refrigerate to release natural juices (maceration!)
  • Step 5 — Assemble : Spread macerated strawberries over chilled cheesecake ,Whip cream + powdered sugar + vanilla → soft peaks ,Pipe or spread around edges/on top,Add sliced strawberries and cookie crumbs if desired