Ooh — Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake 🍓🍰 — now that’s a showstopper! It’s the ultimate dessert mash-up: layers of fluffy vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery crumb coating that tastes just like classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.
Here’s a bakery-style version that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
🍰 What It Is
A three-layer dessert:
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Vanilla cake layer
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Cheesecake layer
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Strawberry crunch topping (the “shortcake” part)
🧺 Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
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16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Cake Layers
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1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box — usually eggs, oil, and water)
OR make homemade vanilla cake if you prefer.
Strawberry Crunch Topping
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24 Golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O)
Strawberry Filling
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1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
Whipped Cream Frosting
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Cheesecake
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Line an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
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Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
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Pour into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
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Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
2. Make the Vanilla Cakes
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Prepare the cake batter according to box or recipe instructions.
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Divide between two 8- or 9-inch round pans.
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Bake according to directions; cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Filling
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Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until juicy and slightly thickened.
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Cool before assembling.
4. Make the Strawberry Crunch
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In a food processor, pulse cookies into crumbs.
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Pour into a bowl and stir in strawberry gelatin powder.
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Add melted butter and toss until evenly coated.
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Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, then cool.
5. Make Whipped Frosting
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until stiff peaks form.
🏗️ Assemble the Cake
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Cake layer on bottom.
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Spread strawberry filling on top.
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Cheesecake layer next.
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Add another strawberry filling layer.
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Top with the second cake layer.
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Frost the entire cake with whipped cream.
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Press the strawberry crunch topping all around the sides and top.
❄️ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing so the layers set beautifully.
Slice, serve cold, and watch everyone’s eyes light up. ✨
Would you like me to give you a shortcut version (using store-bought cheesecake or pre-made cake layers), or do you want to go all-in with a from-scratch recipe?
