Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake! This dessert has the perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake and the nostalgia of a summer berry treat. I remember a time when my aunt threw an outdoor summer barbecue, and she surprised us all with this out-of-this-world dessert. The moment I took a bite, it was like being transported to a sun-drenched field of strawberries! Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that delightful experience in my own kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can dress it up for a fancy dinner party or keep it casual for a family potluck. The creamy cheesecake paired with the sweet strawberries and crumbly biscuit crust is simply irresistible. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe!
What’s in Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
Now that we’re fired up about this delightful dessert, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These little beauties form the base of our cheesecake. They add sweetness and a lovely crunch. I usually go for the classic brand, but any will do if you have a favorite.
Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness for the crust and cheesecake. I use granulated sugar, but you can use brown sugar for a slightly different flavor!
Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, giving that crust a rich flavor. I like using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
cream cheese: The star of the show! Cream cheese gives our cheesecake its rich and creamy texture. Always grab the full-fat option for the best taste, trust me on this!
Heavy cream: This adds that luscious, creamy element to our cheesecake filling that makes it irresistible. You can use a light whipping cream, but the heavy cream gives a smoother result.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds a delightful tangy flavor and creaminess that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Eggs: These help set the cheesecake and give it a lovely, creamy texture. Always use large eggs for consistent results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract brings all the flavors together beautifully. I’m partial to using pure vanilla extract for a richer taste.
Strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries are essential, as they layer on top of the cheesecake and add that refreshing sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to use frozen ones, just make sure to thaw and drain them properly.
Is Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Good for You?
We all love a delicious treat, and while Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake might not top the charts for health food, there are definitely some perks to enjoy!
Strawberries: These luscious berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber! They can help combat inflammation and promote heart health. Plus, they just make everything taste better!
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: They provide some calcium and protein, but make sure not to overindulge if you’re watching your diet. It’s all about balance, right?
While this cheesecake is more of an indulgent treat and should probably be enjoyed in moderation, when paired with fresh fruit, it definitely has its moments of healthy dessert glory! Just don’t blame me if you can’t resist going back for seconds!
Ingredients List
– 1 and ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
– ⅓ cup of sugar
– ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– ½ cup of sour cream
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 2 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)
This recipe serves about 8-10 people, perfect for that gathering you’ve been planning!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan lightly to make removing the cheesecake easier later on.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form a firm crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this, but the mixer makes it a breeze!
4. Gradually add in the heavy cream, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is smooth and wonderfully combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is just set. It’s okay if it jiggles a bit!
7. Turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the cheesecake cool slowly for an hour. Then transfer it to the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight (if you can wait that long).
8. Once cooled, top it with the sliced strawberries. Get creative, my friend! You can layer them or just scatter them on top!
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Variations
If you want to jazz things up a bit, try adding layers! How about a fun layer of whipped cream between the cheesecake and strawberries? Or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can swap out strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist.
Serve this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat!
So there you have it, my friends! Put on your favorite apron, gather those ingredients, and let your kitchen become the oasis of sweetness! I can’t wait for you to share your experience with this Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake – be sure to let me know how it turns out! Enjoy every heavenly bite!
