Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake

Name: Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely love combining two classics into one delicious dessert, and that’s exactly what this Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake delivers! As a fan of both cheesecake and strawberry shortcake, I wanted to create a recipe that highlights the creamy texture of cheesecake while balancing the sweetness of strawberries and the fluffiness of shortcake. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Let's dive in and treat ourselves to this delightful dessert.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-05T16:25:29.099Z

When I first thought about combining cheesecake with strawberry shortcake, I knew I had to find the perfect balance. After several trials, adjusting the cream cheese to whipped cream ratio, I finally achieved a fluffy yet rich filling that complements the fresh strawberries beautifully. The shortcake is buttery and tender, making it a perfect vessel for the creamy layer.

One key tip I discovered is to let the strawberries macerate with a bit of sugar before assembling the dessert. This not only enhances their natural sweetness but also creates a delightful syrup that soaks into the shortcake, adding moisture and flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent cheesecake filling nestled between fluffy shortcake layers
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and brightness
Perfectly balanced sweetness, not overly rich

Ingredient Insights

The key to achieving the perfect shortcake is using cold butter in your dough. Chilling the butter creates a flaky texture that is essential for a light and airy shortcake. When mixed with the dry ingredients, the cold butter should be cut until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that your shortcakes will be tender and not overly dense.

Heavy cream plays a dual role in this recipe—it's crucial in both the shortcake and the cheesecake filling. When whipping cream for the filling, make sure it reaches stiff peaks; this will provide the rich, stable structure needed to support the luscious cream cheese mixture. Using heavy whipping cream rather than standard cream ensures a rich texture that's ideal for this dessert.

Assembling Your Dessert

When assembling the shortcakes, pay attention to the layering. The cheesecake filling should be spread generously on the bottom half of the shortcake, but be careful not to overfill. A quarter-inch layer is ideal; this allows you to fully enjoy the balance of flavors without spilling over. Ensure that the strawberries are lightly macerated to soften and enhance their sweetness, complementing the rich cheesecake filling beautifully.

It's best to serve your Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Shortcakes immediately after assembly. This preserves the freshness of the strawberries and the fluffiness of the shortcake. If you need to prepare the components in advance, make the shortcakes and cheesecake filling ahead of time, but assemble the shortcakes just before serving to maintain their ideal texture.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 cup heavy cream

For the Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cream until combined. Pour onto a floured surface, pat into a circle, and cut into rounds. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Assemble the Shortcakes

Once the shortcakes are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of cheesecake filling on the bottom half, add a layer of the macerated strawberries, then top with the other half. Repeat for remaining shortcakes and serve immediately.

Enjoy your Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake!

Pro Tips

Serve the shortcakes immediately to enjoy the perfect texture. You can also substitute other berries for a different flavor profile.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, the shortcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. However, the cheesecake filling will keep better in the refrigerator for up to three days. If possible, store the shortcake and filling separately to prevent the shortcake from becoming soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfilled shortcakes. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They should maintain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and fill with the cheesecake and strawberries on the same day to ensure freshness.

Variations to Try

While this recipe celebrates classic flavors, feel free to get creative with the cheesecake filling. Consider adding a swirl of lemon curd or a touch of almond extract for an extra depth of flavor. You could also incorporate chocolate or caramel sauce to elevate the dessert into an indulgent treat that caters to your specific cravings.

For a more seasonal twist, try substituting the strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the berries you choose; for example, raspberries can be tart, so you may want to increase the added sugar in that case. Each variation offers a unique taste experience while maintaining the original charm of the recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can use whipped topping or a non-dairy alternative if you're looking for a lighter option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover shortcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them and drain excess juice.