Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

 🍓🍰 Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake 🍰🍓

A dreamy dessert mashup with layers of fluffy cake, creamy cheesecake, and juicy strawberries 😍✨

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups crushed golden sandwich cookies or vanilla wafers

• 4 tbsp melted butter

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups diced fresh strawberries

• ½ cup strawberry preserves or glaze

• 1 prepared vanilla sponge cake or shortcake layer (about 1 inch thick)

• Whipped cream, for topping

• Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.

2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Blend in sour cream and vanilla.

3. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust. Gently place the shortcake layer on top.

4. Spread strawberry preserves and diced strawberries evenly over the cake layer.

5. Pour remaining cheesecake batter on top and smooth the surface.

6. Bake for 55–60 minutes until center is just set. Turn off oven and let cool inside with door cracked.

7. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

8. Before serving, top with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and extra cookie crumbs if desired.

Pro Tip:

For extra strawberry flavor, macerate the strawberries with a little sugar before layering 🍓✨