Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe: There’s something truly magical about combining two desserts into one, and Strawberry Cheesecake Cake is the perfect example. Imagine the sweet, fruity flavor of a strawberry cake hugging a rich, creamy layer of classic cheesecake—all topped with smooth cream cheese frosting and a vibrant strawberry glaze. It’s a showstopper and crowd-pleaser rolled into one glorious dessert.
This cake isn’t just another pretty face; it’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a romantic evening, or just because life is better with cake, this recipe will elevate your dessert game.
Ready to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to get a slice? Let’s get into it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for each component of this triple-layer delight.
For the Strawberry Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- ⅔ cup pureed fresh strawberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Filling
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency)
Essential Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the mixing bowls and ovens, make sure you’ve got the right gear:
- Springform pan (for cheesecake)
- 9-inch round cake pans (for cake layers)
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling racks
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan (for strawberry filling)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Cheesecake Cake
Time to roll up those sleeves and bake magic into existence. Follow each step carefully for perfect results!
Step 1: Preparing the Cheesecake Layer
Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Pour the batter into a lined springform pan and bake for 30–35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preparing the Strawberry Cake Layers
Prepare strawberry cake batter using fresh strawberry purée or extract for flavor. Divide the batter evenly between two greased cake pans. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Making the Fresh Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Lightly mash and simmer until thickened. Let the filling cool completely.
Step 4: Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Chill briefly if too soft.
Step 5: Assembling the Strawberry Cheesecake Cake
Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting, then add the chilled cheesecake layer. Spoon strawberry filling evenly over the cheesecake. Top with the second strawberry cake layer.
Step 6: Chilling and Setting the Cake
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours to help the layers set and make slicing easier.
Step 7: Slicing and Serving
Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean layers. Serve chilled or slightly softened. Enjoy this rich, fruity, and show-stopping dessert—perfect for celebrations. 🍓🎂
Expert Tips for Success
Want your strawberry cheesecake cake to turn out bakery-perfect? Here are some tried-and-true tips from seasoned bakers:
- Room-temperature ingredients are a must. Cold eggs or cream cheese can cause lumps or uneven mixing.
- Don’t overmix your batter, especially once the flour is in. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake.
- Use real strawberries. Freshly pureed strawberries bring a natural, juicy flavor that no extract can mimic.
- Chill each layer before assembling. A firm cheesecake and cooled cake layers are easier to stack and frost.
- Use a serrated knife to level your cakes. Uneven layers will slide around, and that’s a no-go for a tall cake like this one.
How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cake
Because of the cream cheese and fruit components, proper storage is crucial to keep your cake fresh and safe to eat.
- Refrigerator: Always store the cake in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in a cake dome. It will last up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Avoid leaving this cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to prep ahead for a party or event? Good thinking!
- Bake the cheesecake a day or two early and chill it in the fridge.
- Strawberry cake layers can also be baked and stored (wrapped in plastic wrap) for 1–2 days at room temp.
- The frosting and strawberry filling can be made a day ahead and kept in airtight containers in the fridge.
Assembly will be a breeze if all components are ready to go!
Customizations and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few fun ways to make this cake your own:
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Check that your cornstarch and baking powder are gluten-free.
Vegan Variation:
- Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg replacers like flax eggs or aquafaba.
- Swap the milk with almond or oat milk.
Berry Swaps:
- Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in the filling and puree for an exciting twist on flavor and color.
Lemon Strawberry Version:
- Add lemon zest to your cake and cheesecake batter for a citrusy kick that brightens the flavor beautifully.
What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake Cake
Pair your cake with something light to complement its richness:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A refreshing glass of rosé or sparkling lemonade
- Fresh berries on the side
- Whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream
Keep it simple—this cake is the star of the show.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save your future self a headache, shall we? Avoid these common errors:
- Skipping the chilling time. The layers will fall apart without proper chilling.
- Using warm cake or cheesecake for assembly. Always let everything cool.
- Frosting a cake with crumbs. Always do a crumb coat and chill before final frosting.
- Using artificial strawberry flavor. It just doesn’t compare to the real thing.
- Cutting the cake too soon. Patience pays off with cleaner layers and better flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate)
| Component | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580–650 |
| Total Fat | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Based on 12 servings. May vary depending on ingredients and brands used.
FAQs about Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing or using in the filling.
Do I have to bake the cheesecake?
For this recipe, yes. A no-bake cheesecake won’t hold up well when layered and sliced.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Layer mini cheesecakes and cake batter into cupcake tins. Adjust baking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular 9-inch pan lined with parchment paper, but removing the cheesecake might be trickier.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it’ll keep well for 4–5 days—though it usually disappears much sooner!
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cheesecake Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a masterpiece. The combination of creamy cheesecake, tender strawberry cake, and luscious strawberry filling makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake delivers big-time flavor with bakery-worthy presentation.
Bake it once, and it might just become your new favorite tradition. From birthdays to brunches to just-because days—this cake never disappoints.
