Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake is a stunning dessert that combines two all-time favorites into one unforgettable treat. Moist strawberry cake layers sandwich a rich, creamy cheesecake center, all finished with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want a dessert that truly impresses. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s made step by step and is completely achievable for home bakers.

Ingredients

Cheesecake Layer

• Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅔ cup granulated white sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Cake

• 10 ounces frozen whole strawberries
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 6 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups cake flour
• 1¾ cups granulated white sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• Red food coloring, optional

Frosting

• 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup strawberry puree
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

Decor

• Fresh strawberries
• White chocolate slivers

Instructions

Cheesecake Layer

• Preheat oven to 325°F and spray a 9-inch springform pan
• Beat cream cheese until smooth
• Mix in sugar and salt until fully combined
• Add eggs one at a time
• Blend in sour cream, whipping cream, and vanilla
• Pour batter into pan and bake for 45 minutes
• Cool for 1 hour, then freeze 4 to 5 hours or overnight

Strawberry Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch cake pans
• Microwave strawberries until juicy and strain
• Reduce strawberry juice to ¼ cup and mix with milk
• Whisk in egg whites and vanilla
• Combine dry ingredients in a bowl
• Blend in butter until crumbly
• Add liquid mixture in two additions
• Tint with food coloring if desired
• Divide batter into pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes
• Cool completely

Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth
• Mix in vanilla, strawberry puree, and cream
• Gradually add powdered sugar until spreadable

Assembly

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate
• Add a thin layer of frosting
• Place frozen cheesecake layer on top
• Frost lightly and add second cake layer
• Apply crumb coat and chill 30 minutes
• Finish frosting and decorate as desired

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve chilled or slightly softened for clean slices
• Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts
• Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 4 days
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake
   Add cocoa powder to the cake layers and drizzle with chocolate ganache
2. Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Cake
   Add lemon zest to cake batter and lemon juice to frosting
3. Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake
   Use vanilla cake layers and add whipped cream topping
4. Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cake
   Add vanilla bean paste to cake and frosting
5. Strawberry Almond Cake
   Add almond extract and garnish with sliced almonds
6. Strawberry White Chocolate Cake
   Fold melted white chocolate into frosting
7. Strawberry Coconut Cake
   Add coconut extract and shredded coconut
8. Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Cake
   Add crushed Oreos between layers
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Sheet Cake
   Bake cake in rectangular pans for easy serving
10. Strawberry Creamsicle Cake
    Add orange zest and orange extract
11. Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes
    Bake layers as cupcakes with cheesecake centers
12. Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Cake
    Add mashed banana to cake batter
13. Strawberry Raspberry Cheesecake Cake
    Mix raspberry puree into frosting
14. Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Cake
    Serve frozen for a semi-frozen dessert
15. Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake Cake
    Add champagne reduction to frosting

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen
   Yes, but frozen strawberries provide more consistent juice
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time
   Yes, it’s best made a day ahead
3. Why freeze the cheesecake layer
   It makes assembly much easier and cleaner
4. Can I use all-purpose flour
   Cake flour gives the best texture, but all-purpose can work
5. How do I prevent dry cake
   Do not overbake and measure ingredients carefully
6. Can I skip the food coloring
   Yes, it’s optional and only for appearance
7. How do I store leftovers
   Keep refrigerated in an airtight container
8. Can I use store-bought frosting
   Homemade frosting is recommended for best flavor
9. Can I make this gluten-free
   Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute
10. How do I get clean slices
    Chill well and use a hot, clean knife

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake is a bakery-style dessert that delivers on both flavor and presentation. With layers of strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake, and rich frosting, it’s the perfect centerpiece for celebrations or special gatherings. Once you make it, this cake is guaranteed to become a favorite that everyone requests again and again.

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