Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Featured in: Happy Bites

This luscious dessert combines a smooth cream cheese layer baked on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a vibrant strawberry gel and fresh slices. A fluffy whipped cream topping is crowned with a crunchy shortcake crumble made from cookie crumbs and strawberry powder. Chilled for hours to set perfectly, this treat balances creamy texture with bright fruity flavors and delightful crunch.

Perfect for gatherings, it offers a nostalgic taste experience that blends the richness of cheesecake with the sweet tang of strawberry shortcake. The layers build a harmony of smoothness and texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:58:00 GMT
A slice of decadent strawberry shortcake cheesecake shows off its creamy layers and a crumble topping. Save
A slice of decadent strawberry shortcake cheesecake shows off its creamy layers and a crumble topping. | munchhug.com

A luscious dessert that marries creamy cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake, topped with a vibrant strawberry layer and a crunchy cookie crumble.

This strawberry shortcake cheesecake has been a favorite at my family gatherings, always bringing smiles and second servings

Ingredients

  • Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or Golden Oreos crushed, ½ cup unsalted butter melted, 2 tbsp sugar
  • Cheesecake Layer: 24 oz cream cheese softened, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 3 large eggs room temperature, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Strawberry Layer: 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O, 1 cup boiling water, ½ cup cold water, 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or whipped cream), 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • Whipped Cream Topping: 2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Shortcake Crumble: 20 Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies crushed, 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder (dry)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C)
Prepare the crust:
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Golden Oreos), sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan
Bake crust:
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool
Make the cheesecake layer:
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy Add sour cream and vanilla extract mixing until combined Add eggs one at a time beating gently after each addition until just incorporated
Bake cheesecake:
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is just slightly wobbly Remove from oven and cool completely Refrigerate for at least 4 hours preferably overnight to set
Prepare the strawberry layer:
Dissolve strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water Stir in ½ cup cold water Allow to cool and chill until slightly thickened but not fully set (about 30-45 minutes)
Combine strawberry layer:
Gently fold in whipped topping and chopped strawberries Spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm
Make whipped cream topping:
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form Spread evenly over the strawberry layer
Prepare shortcake crumble:
Combine crushed cookies with melted butter and dry strawberry Jell-O powder Mix well until crumbs are evenly coated and vibrant in color
Assemble topping:
Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream layer
Chill and serve:
Chill the cake until ready to serve Carefully run a knife around the edge and release from the pan Slice and enjoy
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This cheesecake is always the centerpiece at family celebrations, sparking fond memories and requests for the recipe

Required Tools

9-inch springform pan, Electric mixer or stand mixer, Mixing bowls, Rubber spatula, Measuring cups and spoons, Offset spatula (optional for smooth layers)

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, whipped cream, butter), Eggs, Wheat/Gluten (cookies/crackers), Soy (may be present in cookies), Artificial colors/flavors (Jell-O)

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 450, Total Fat 30g, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 6g

Magnificent close-up of a strawberry shortcake cheesecake displaying fresh strawberries and a golden crust. Save
Magnificent close-up of a strawberry shortcake cheesecake displaying fresh strawberries and a golden crust. | munchhug.com

Enjoy this indulgent treat with loved ones and savor the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy

Recipe Guide

How should the crust be prepared?

Mix crushed graham crackers or golden Oreos with melted butter and sugar, then press firmly into a springform pan before baking briefly.

What makes the cheesecake layer smooth?

Ensuring cream cheese is fully softened before mixing and gently incorporating eggs creates a creamy, fluffy texture.

How is the strawberry layer made vibrant yet firm?

Strawberry gelatin is dissolved in boiling and cold water, cooled until thickened, then combined with whipped topping and fresh strawberries.

What gives the dessert its crunchy topping?

A crumble made from crushed vanilla cookies or Oreos mixed with melted butter and dry strawberry powder is sprinkled on top.

Why is chilling time important?

Chilling sets each layer firmly, enhancing flavors and texture for a balanced finish that slices cleanly.

Can the crust be made less sweet?

Substituting graham crackers for golden Oreos in the crust reduces sweetness while maintaining texture.

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

A creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and a crunchy cookie crumble layer.

Prep duration
45 min
Heat time
50 min
Complete duration
95 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free

Components

Crust

01 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed Golden Oreos
02 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer

01 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 cup sour cream
04 3 large eggs, room temperature
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Layer

01 1 box (3 ounces) strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jell-O)
02 1 cup boiling water
03 0.5 cups cold water
04 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or whipped cream)
05 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Whipped Cream Topping

01 2 cups heavy cream
02 0.25 cups powdered sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Shortcake Crumble

01 20 Golden Oreos or vanilla cookies, crushed
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 box (3 ounces) dry strawberry-flavored gelatin powder

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

Phase 02

Prepare Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs or crushed Golden Oreos with sugar and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan.

Phase 03

Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Phase 04

Mix Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating gently until just combined after each addition.

Phase 05

Bake Cheesecake Layer: Pour cheesecake batter over cooled crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is slightly wobbly. Remove and cool fully, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set.

Phase 06

Prepare Strawberry Layer: Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, mix in cold water, and chill until slightly thickened but not set (approximately 30 to 45 minutes).

Phase 07

Fold Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold whipped topping and chopped strawberries into the thickened gelatin. Spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm.

Phase 08

Make Whipped Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a cold bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over the strawberry layer.

Phase 09

Prepare Shortcake Crumble: Combine crushed cookies, melted butter, and dry strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and vibrant in color.

Phase 10

Assemble Crumble: Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream topping.

Phase 11

Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Carefully run a knife around the pan edges, release the springform, slice, and enjoy.

Tools needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Offset spatula

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy products including cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and whipped cream
  • Includes eggs and gluten from cookies or crackers
  • May contain soy and artificial colors/flavors from gelatin and cookies

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 450
  • Lipids: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 6 g