Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Recipe
A delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake combining a creamy cheesecake base with a sweet strawberry Jell-O topping and a crunchy shortcake crumble made from crushed Golden Oreos and strawberry Jell-O powder. This layered dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion, offering rich cream cheese texture, fresh strawberries, and an irresistible crumbly topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or Golden Oreos, crushed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Jell-O Topping
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder (dry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or whipped cream)
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
Shortcake Crumble Topping
- 20 Golden Oreos (or vanilla cookies), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (3 oz) strawberry Jell-O powder (dry)
Whipped Cream Layer
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Golden Oreos), sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly. Remove from oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
- Prepare Strawberry Jell-O Layer: Dissolve the strawberry Jell-O powder in boiling water, then stir in cold water. Place the mixture in the fridge and chill until it is slightly thickened but not fully set.
- Combine Strawberry Layer: Fold the whipped topping and chopped strawberries gently into the slightly thickened Jell-O mixture. Spread this evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours until firm.
- Whip Cream Layer: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream layer evenly over the strawberry Jell-O topping.
- Make Shortcake Crumble: Crush the Golden Oreos (or vanilla cookies), then mix them with melted butter and the dry strawberry Jell-O powder until crumbly and combined.
- Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle the shortcake crumble generously over the whipped cream layer. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; the center should remain slightly wobbly to prevent cracking.
- Chilled strawberry Jell-O topping should be thickened but not fully set before folding in whipped topping and strawberries to maintain a smooth texture.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal and clean edges.
- Refrigerate the finished cheesecake for a few hours before serving to allow layers to set well.
- Golden Oreos provide a sweeter crust and crumble; graham crackers are a more traditional option.
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, strawberry Jell-O dessert, layered cheesecake, shortcake crumble, cream cheese dessert
