Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe with a Sponge Cake Crust

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake with a sponge cake crust turns everyone’s favorite strawberry shortcake into a refreshing, unforgettable dessert that truly defines summer with just one delightful bite. This unique creation combines the light, airy texture of a classic shortcake with the rich, creamy indulgence of a cheesecake, all bursting with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a celebration of the season’s finest flavors.

Embracing the Sweetness of Summer: A Culinary Bucket List

Do you find yourself making a mental (or written) summer bucket list each year? For many, mine included, these lists often revolve around the simple, beautiful pleasures of seasonal food. My annual summer ritual is a predictable yet deeply satisfying one: picking strawberries in June, trying (and often failing) to catch sour cherry season in July, and savoring fresh corn and juicy peaches in August. These culinary milestones mark the passage of summer, each bringing its own unique joy and flavor.

Beyond these food-focused adventures, there’s always a vacation sprinkled in – last month, I took a wonderful trip to Mount Rushmore. But let’s be honest, my heart truly sings when my summer bucket list culminates in a long “to-make” list, eagerly anticipating how I’ll transform my fresh bounty into delectable treats. This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake was a stroke of genius conceived from last year’s list, and I’m thrilled to have finally brought it to life, proving some ideas are worth the wait.

A Revolutionary Twist: The Sponge Cake Crust

What sets this cheesecake apart from the rest? It’s all in the crust! Forget your typical graham cracker or even Oreo crusts. For this recipe, I opted for a thin, delicate sponge cake layer. This isn’t just a random choice; it’s a deliberate mimicry of the classic shortcake (specifically the cake version, not the biscuit, as you might recall from my chocolate strawberry shortcake). The sponge cake provides a light, airy base that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake, offering a textural contrast that enhances every bite.

The innovation doesn’t stop there. Instead of simply flavoring the cheesecake, plump, juicy strawberries are gently folded into the batter. This infuses the cheesecake with natural fruitiness, echoing the traditional whipped cream and berry layers of a classic shortcake. To crown this masterpiece, a vibrant, artistic layer of freshly sliced strawberries adorns the top, creating a visually stunning dessert that promises a burst of fresh flavor. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s *the* dessert that encapsulates the essence of summer, a culinary delight you absolutely don’t want to miss.

The Meditative Joy of Strawberry Picking

A few weeks ago, I indulged in one of my most cherished outdoor activities: picking fresh strawberries. While I usually share this experience with my dad, conflicting schedules meant I embarked on this delightful journey by myself. The conditions couldn’t have been more perfect – a gentle coolness in the air, the sun generously shining, and fluffy white clouds lazily drifting across the sky. It was more than just gathering fruit; it was a deeply meditative experience, a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle.

Twenty minutes and four glorious pounds of strawberries later, I felt refreshed, invigorated, and utterly inspired. My mind was already racing with all the delicious possibilities, a vibrant canvas of red berries waiting to be transformed. The first creation that sprang to mind, and quickly came to fruition, was this very Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake. The anticipation of turning those ruby-red gems into something truly special was almost as rewarding as the picking itself.

Mastering the Crust: A Baking Experiment That Paid Off

The sponge cake crust for this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake was initially a bit of an experiment, but one that yielded incredibly delicious results. Having previously made my Carrot Cake Cheesecake, I knew that simply pouring cheesecake batter directly over raw cake batter often results in a single, mixed layer rather than distinct, beautiful strata of cake and cheesecake. The key to achieving that perfect, thin sponge cake base beneath a creamy cheesecake layer was to pre-bake the crust.

My strategy involved baking the sponge cake crust until it was just firm enough to hold its own, but still tender. This crucial step prevents the cheesecake batter from sinking into the cake or mixing excessively, ensuring you get that ideal separation and texture. Once the crust was perfectly set and slightly cooled, I carefully added the luscious cheesecake batter on top. This method guarantees a delightful contrast between the fluffy sponge cake and the dense, rich cheesecake – a foundation that truly elevates this dessert.

The Cheesecake Filling: Pure Strawberry Bliss and Serving Tips

For the cheesecake filling, my vision was clear: I wanted a classic, creamy cheesecake base with the vibrant burst of fresh strawberries folded directly in, rather than a strawberry-puree infused cheesecake. This approach allows the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the fruit to shine through, providing delightful pockets of strawberry flavor and texture within the smooth cream cheese. It’s a clean, authentic taste that perfectly complements the sponge cake crust.

One small caution to keep in mind, especially if presentation is paramount: when assembling, it’s best to add the fresh strawberry slices on top right before serving. I discovered that after a few days in the fridge, the fresh berries on the surface can release some moisture, making the top layer a little watery. While the cheesecake underneath remained perfectly delicious once you got past that top layer, this tip is a heads-up for those aiming for picture-perfect slices. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving it with a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce, a generous scoop of strawberry cheesecake ice cream, or even swirl in some strawberry curd, much like I did for my beloved strawberry swirl cheesecake. Each option adds another layer of strawberry delight!

Enjoying This Delight Year-Round: Beyond Summer’s End

While this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is undeniably the quintessential summer dessert, there’s absolutely no need to let the season dictate when you can enjoy this treat. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Even when strawberry fields are dormant and fresh local berries are a distant memory, you can still whip up this cheesecake any day of the year.

Simply purchase frozen strawberries and allow them to thaw completely, draining off any excess liquid before chopping and folding them into the batter. Alternatively, high-quality fresh strawberries are often available at grocery stores regardless of the season. So, whether you’re reliving summer memories in the depths of winter or simply craving a taste of sunshine, this delectable cheesecake is always within reach. Don’t let anything stop you from baking this anytime you desire a slice of pure joy!

 

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe

This recipe is a labor of love, combining the best elements of two classic desserts into one show-stopping creation. It’s perfect for entertaining, a special family meal, or simply to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The blend of fluffy sponge cake, creamy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Yield:
8-10 servings

Prep Time:
45 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 35 minutes

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake with a sponge cake crust turns everyone’s favorite strawberry shortcake into a refreshing dessert that can define summer with just one bite.

Ingredients

Crust

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons or 2 ounces) melted butter
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk, room temperature

Cheesecake

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped strawberries

Instructions

1. For the crust: Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and melted butter until combined, about 1-2 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated, another minute. Alternating between the flour mixture and milk, gradually add the flour in three parts and the milk in two parts, starting and ending with the flour. Do not overbeat.
4. Spread into the bottom of the pan and bake 10-15 minutes or until the top is just set. Let cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
5. For the cheesecake: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add the sugar and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time and 1 minute per egg, until everything is fully incorporated, scraping the bowl down if needed. Beat in the vanilla. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
6. Spread the batter on top of the crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or the center still wiggles slightly when the pan is moved (Note: some people have mentioned the middle being underbaked. The center should only wiggle slightly. If there is too much movement, continue baking but do not overbake. If the center doesn’t move at all, it will be dry).
7. Cool at room temperature for one hour. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Right before serving, garnish the top with sliced strawberries.

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Source: Adapted from Taste Of Home and 125 Best Cupcake Recipes

Want more strawberry recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? Explore these other delightful creations:

Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Strawberry Cheesecake Dip

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Truffles

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes