Save It 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 dessert always reminds me of summer family gatherings when everyone couldn’t wait to have a slice.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes then set aside to cool.
- Step 4:
- Make the cheesecake layer In a large bowl 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.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Prepare the strawberry layer In a bowl dissolve strawberry Jell-O in 1 cup boiling water Stir in ½ cup cold water Allow to cool and chill until the mixture is slightly thickened but not fully set (about 30 45 minutes).
- Step 7:
- Gently fold in whipped topping and chopped strawberries Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake Refrigerate for 2 3 hours until the layer is firm.
- Step 8:
- Make the whipped cream topping In a cold mixing bowl whip heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form Spread evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Step 9:
- Prepare the shortcake crumble In a bowl combine crushed cookies with melted butter and dry strawberry Jell-O powder Mix well until crumbs are evenly coated and vibrant in color.
- Step 10:
- Generously sprinkle the shortcake crumble over the whipped cream layer.
- Step 11:
- Chill the cake until ready to serve Carefully run a knife around the edge and release from the pan Slice and enjoy!
Save It My family eagerly awaits this dessert at every holiday gathering; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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). Verify labels for potential allergens if using store-bought cookies or Jell-O.
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 450, Total Fat 30g, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 6g
Save It Enjoy this beautiful layered dessert chilled for best results and serve with extra fresh strawberries if desired.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a smooth cheesecake layer?
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing and beat until fluffy to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- → Can I substitute the cookie crust?
Yes, graham cracker crumbs can replace Golden Oreos for a less sweet and classic crust base.
- → How should the strawberry topping be prepared?
Dissolve strawberry gelatin in hot water, cool until thickened, then fold in whipped topping and fresh chopped strawberries for a light, fruity layer.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dessert?
Chilling solidifies the cheesecake and strawberry layers, enhancing texture and melding the flavors together.
- → How do I make the shortcake crumble topping?
Combine crushed cookies with melted butter and strawberry gelatin powder, then sprinkle generously over the whipped cream layer for a crunchy finish.