Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: The Ultimate Two-in-One Dessert

If you can’t decide between classic strawberry shortcake and creamy cheesecake, this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake gives you the best of both worlds in one breathtaking dessert. With layers of buttery shortcake crumble, velvety cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress with a show-stopping homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This cheesecake combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional strawberry shortcake with the rich, indulgent texture of classic cheesecake. The contrast of creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and soft, crumbly cake layers creates a dessert that’s balanced, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.

Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Elegant and impressive for special occasions
Perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors
Make-ahead friendly
Great for parties and celebrations
Guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Every bite delivers layers of flavor and texture that feel straight out of a bakery display.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

2 cups crushed vanilla wafer or shortbread cookies
½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup sour cream
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
⅓ cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Shortcake Crumble:

1 ½ cups vanilla cake or pound cake, crumbled
¼ cup melted butter

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time, just until combined.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour filling over crust and bake for 55–65 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool in the oven with the door cracked, then refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Prepare the Strawberries:
Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 20 minutes to release juices.
Make the Shortcake Crumble:
Mix cake crumbs with melted butter until slightly moist and crumbly.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Layer shortcake crumble over the chilled cheesecake, then spread the strawberry mixture on top.
Add Whipped Cream:
Whip cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks and pipe or spread over the strawberries.

Tips & Variations

Use store-bought pound cake for quick assembly.
Add a thin layer of strawberry jam under the fresh berries for extra flavor.
Substitute strawberries with blueberries or mixed berries.
Add white chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is a stunning fusion dessert that brings together creamy cheesecake, juicy strawberries, and soft shortcake crumble in every unforgettable bite. It’s fresh, rich, and perfectly balanced — a dessert that turns any gathering into a celebration. Whether you’re serving it at a party or making it just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress.