Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
A delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with fluffy strawberry shortcake flavors, perfect for gatherings and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups crushed golden cookies or graham crackers
- 0.5 cups melted butter
- 1 pinch salt for flavor
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (full fat is best) Use brick style, not spreadable tub kind.
- 0.75 cups sugar
- 0.5 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs brought to room temperature
For the strawberry topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped Use fresh for best results
- 0.25 cups sugar for sweetening
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Optional
- 1 cup whipped cream for serving optional topping
- 0.5 cups extra cookie crumbs for the top
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt, then press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let cool.
Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add sour cream and vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, mixing on low just until combined.
Baking
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan, pour in the cheesecake batter, and add hot water to the larger pan until halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 55 to 70 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake sit for about 45 minutes. Then cool to room temperature before chilling for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Strawberry Topping
- Chop strawberries, toss with sugar and lemon juice, and let sit to release juices.
- For a thicker topping, cook a portion of the berries with cornstarch slurry, cool, then mix with fresh berries before serving.
Notes
Chill longer than you think to allow flavors to meld. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts. Add strawberry topping close to serving to avoid weeping.