🍓🍰 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake
📝 Ingredients (serves 10–12)
For the Crust:
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1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup sour cream
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¼ cup heavy cream
For the Shortcake Layer:
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1 box vanilla cake mix (or make from scratch if you prefer)
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Eggs, oil, and water per box instructions
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
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1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)
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1 (3 oz) box vanilla pudding mix (instant, dry)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Strawberry Layer (Optional but delicious):
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1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
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2–3 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Simmer until soft and jammy, then cool
🔧 Instructions
1. Make the Crunch Topping (do this first so it can cool)
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine strawberry gelatin mix, pudding mix, flour, and butter.
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Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend into coarse crumbs.
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Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Let cool completely and break into crumbles.
2. Make the Vanilla Cake Layer
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Prepare cake mix according to box directions.
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Bake in two 8-inch round pans (you’ll only use one layer, or save the second for a layered version).
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Let cool completely.
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer
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Lower oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream.
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Pour into a greased 8-inch springform pan lined with parchment.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until center is set but still slightly jiggly.
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Cool completely, then chill in fridge at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
4. Assemble the Cake
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Place the vanilla cake layer on a serving platter.
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Spread a thin layer of strawberry filling (optional).
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Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
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Frost sides and top with whipped cream or stabilized whipped frosting.
5. Add Crunch Topping
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Press the strawberry crunch topping into the sides and over the top of the cake.
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Add fresh strawberries on top for decoration.
✅ Tips:
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Make ahead: Best if assembled a day in advance so flavors meld.
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Short on time? Use store-bought pound cake or cheesecake and just assemble.
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For extra wow: Add a drizzle of white chocolate or strawberry sauce on top.
Would you like a printable PDF version or an all-from-scratch shortcake base?
