Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

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A creamy cheesecake layered with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a crunchy vanilla-strawberry crumble. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon gelatin powder (optional)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
  • ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar

For Decoration:

  • Fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Additional whipped cream for piping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a food processor, crush vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers.
  3. Mix with melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined.
  4. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each.
  4. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour half of the batter over the crust.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

  1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat until strawberries soften.
  3. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened, about two minutes.
  4. Let cool slightly, then spoon over the cheesecake batter.
  5. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Wrap the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
  2. Place the pan in a large baking dish filled with one inch of hot water to create a water bath.
  3. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly but set.
  4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for one hour.
  5. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least six hours or overnight.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until stiff peaks form.
  3. (Optional) Dissolve gelatin in warm water, let cool, then mix into whipped cream for stability.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

  1. In a bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for five minutes for extra crunch.

Step 7: Assemble the Cheesecake

  1. Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan and place on a serving platter.
  2. Spread whipped cream frosting evenly over the cheesecake.
  3. Gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto the sides.
  4. Decorate the top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream swirls.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve chilled for the best texture.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • Can be frozen for up to two months by wrapping in plastic wrap and foil.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake – Add ½ cup melted white or dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter.
  • Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake – Add zest of one lemon to the batter for a citrusy twist.
  • Oreo Strawberry Cheesecake – Replace vanilla wafers with crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream base.

This Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. Let me know if you need any modifications!

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