Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake: Ultimate Pinterest-Worthy Recipe

Imagine the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: the light, fruity sweetness of strawberry shortcake combined with the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake. This strawberry shortcake cheesecake recipe creates a showstopping dessert that’s guaranteed to impress your guests and light up your Pinterest feed. With layers of vanilla cake, smooth cheesecake, and fresh strawberries all crowned with a delightful cookie crumble, this dessert brings together the best of both worlds in every slice.

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This stunning strawberry shortcake cheesecake combines the best of both classic desserts

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

This strawberry shortcake cheesecake isn’t just delicious—it’s designed to be a true showstopper that will have everyone reaching for their phones to snap a picture before taking that first heavenly bite. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your Pinterest boards and in your kitchen:

Perfect balance of textures: Soft cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries
Visually stunning with defined layers that look impressive when sliced
Adaptable for any season (use fresh strawberries in summer or quality frozen berries year-round)
Make-ahead friendly—actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance
Combines two beloved desserts into one spectacular creation

Fresh strawberries being arranged on top of the strawberry shortcake cheesecake

Ready to create this stunning dessert?

You’ll need a quality springform pan to achieve those perfect layers. Check out the best options on Amazon:

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Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

For the Shortcake Layer

1¾ cups (228g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (52g) granulated sugar
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
5 tbsp (70g) salted butter
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp (210ml) heavy whipping cream

For the Cheesecake Layer

24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (58g) powdered sugar

For the Strawberry Topping

2 lbs fresh strawberries
¼ cup (52g) granulated sugar
¾ tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
¼ cup strawberry puree (from about 10 strawberries)

For the Whipped Cream Topping

1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
½ cup (58g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for strawberry shortcake cheesecake laid out on a counter

Quality ingredients make all the difference!

For the creamiest cheesecake texture, you’ll want premium cream cheese and pure vanilla extract:

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Essential Equipment You’ll Need

9-inch Springform Pan

Essential for creating and easily removing the perfect cheesecake layer without damaging it.

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Electric Mixer

Makes creating smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter much easier than mixing by hand.

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Cake Stand

Showcase your beautiful creation and make it even more Pinterest-worthy!

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Process of making strawberry shortcake cheesecake showing multiple stages of preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcake Layer

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly add heavy cream and pulse just until moistened.
Gather the dough into a ball (it will still be crumbly). Gently knead on a non-stick surface until just smooth, about five turns.
Press the dough into an even layer in the springform pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a cooling rack.

Shortcake layer being pressed into the bottom of a springform pan

Pro Tip: Don’t overwork the shortcake dough! Handling it too much will develop gluten and make your shortcake tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Sauce

Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
Stir in strawberry puree and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Allow to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Cool completely before using.

Pinterest Tip: For the most vibrant red color in your sauce (perfect for photos!), use the ripest strawberries you can find.

Strawberry sauce being cooked in a saucepan

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until well combined and smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two parts, gently folding until well combined.

Creamy cheesecake batter being mixed in a bowl

Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your cheesecake batter.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Prepare the springform pan with the cooled shortcake by lining the inside edge with parchment paper.
Slice 6-10 similarly-sized strawberries and place them around the outer edge of the shortcake, pressed against the inside of the pan.
Spread about 1/2 cup of cheesecake filling over the shortcake in a thin layer.
Cut the tops off 18-24 strawberries and arrange them top-down on the thin cheesecake layer, leaving space between each.
Pour remaining cheesecake filling over the strawberries, making sure it fills all spaces.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
Refrigerate until firm, about 4-5 hours or overnight.

Strawberries being arranged in the cheesecake layer

Need the perfect tools?

A quality offset spatula makes spreading the cheesecake layers much easier:

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Step 5: Final Assembly and Decoration

Once the cheesecake is firm, remove from the springform pan and place on a serving platter.
Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Pipe the whipped cream around the outer edge of the cheesecake.
Slice the remaining strawberries and arrange on top of the cheesecake, inside the whipped cream border.
Top with the cooled strawberry sauce.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Final decoration of strawberry shortcake cheesecake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries

Styling Tip: For the most Pinterest-worthy presentation, use a piping bag with a star tip to create decorative whipped cream swirls around the edge.

Ready to create picture-perfect decorations?

A good piping set will help you create those beautiful whipped cream swirls:

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Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake texture.
Don’t Overbeat: Mix the cheesecake batter just until ingredients are combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
Water Bath Option: For extra insurance against cracks, place the springform pan in a water bath while baking.
Cooling Gradually: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly to prevent the surface from cracking.
Strawberry Selection: Choose strawberries of similar size for the decorative edge to create a uniform look.
Make Ahead: This dessert actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld.

Close-up of perfectly smooth cheesecake texture

“The secret to a perfect cheesecake is patience. Don’t rush the mixing, baking, or cooling processes.”

— Professional Pastry Chef

Delicious Variations to Try

No-Bake Version

Skip the oven completely by using a no-bake cheesecake filling and a graham cracker crust. Perfect for hot summer days!

Mini Cheesecakes

Create individual portions using a muffin tin with liners. Perfect for parties and much faster to chill!

Mini strawberry shortcake cheesecakes in cupcake liners

Chocolate Drizzle

Add a decadent touch by drizzling white or dark chocolate over the finished cheesecake before serving.

Want to try the mini cheesecake version?

You’ll need a good quality muffin tin and liners:

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator Storage

This strawberry shortcake cheesecake will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

Freezer Instructions

You can freeze this cheesecake for up to 1 month. For best results:

Freeze without the fresh strawberry topping and whipped cream
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving

Make-Ahead Strategy

This dessert is perfect for making ahead for special occasions:

1-2 days ahead: Make the entire cheesecake and refrigerate
Morning of serving: Prepare the whipped cream and strawberry topping
1-2 hours before serving: Decorate with whipped cream and strawberries

Strawberry shortcake cheesecake being wrapped for storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the sauce, but fresh strawberries work best for the decorative elements and inside the cheesecake. If using frozen berries for the sauce, there’s no need to thaw them first—just add them directly to the saucepan.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecakes typically crack from overmixing (incorporating too much air), baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. To prevent cracks: mix just until ingredients are combined, bake at 325°F, and cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door cracked open.

Can I make this without a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removal much easier, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper with extra hanging over the sides to help lift the cheesecake out. You can also make this as a layered dessert in a trifle dish without needing to remove it.

How do I get clean slices when cutting?

For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then make your cut. Repeat this process for each slice. This helps the knife glide through the cheesecake cleanly without dragging or pulling.

Ready to Create Your Pinterest-Worthy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake?

This strawberry shortcake cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopping centerpiece that combines the best of two beloved classics. The contrast between the light shortcake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. The layers of flavor and texture create a truly memorable dessert experience that’s worthy of your Pinterest boards and your table.

Remember to take your time with each step, and don’t forget to snap some photos of your creation before serving—this dessert is definitely one to show off!