Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with layers of juicy strawberries and a delightful shortcake crumble topping. Featuring a graham cracker crust and a luscious strawberry Jell-O layer, this dessert is topped with fresh whipped cream and a crunchy crumb of Golden Oreos infused with strawberry flavor, making it a perfect treat for berry lovers and cheesecake fans alike.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or Golden Oreos, crushed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Jell-O Layer
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or whipped cream)
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Shortcake Crumble Topping
- 20 Golden Oreos (or vanilla cookies), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder (dry)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove and let it cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly but mostly set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare Strawberry Jell-O Layer: Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in the boiling water. Stir in the cold water. Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill until slightly thickened but not fully set.
- Combine Jell-O with Strawberries: Fold the whipped topping and chopped strawberries gently into the slightly thickened Jell-O. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake base. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
- Whip Cream Topping: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the strawberry Jell-O layer.
- Make Shortcake Crumble: Crush the Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies finely. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and the dry strawberry Jell-O powder until well combined.
- Assemble Final Topping: Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream layer. Keep the cheesecake refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and firmness.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help create a smoother cheesecake batter and prevent cracking.
- Chilling the strawberry Jell-O layer to a thickened stage ensures it blends well with whipped topping and strawberries without running.
- Use a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging its shape.
- The shortcake crumble topping adds texture and a burst of strawberry flavor, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
- For best flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- If Golden Oreos are not available, vanilla wafers can be a great alternative for crust and crumble.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, strawberry dessert, layered cheesecake, graham cracker crust, whipped cream topping