Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8” springform pan with parchment on the bottom and spray the sides.
- In a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese for 5–6 minutes until smooth.
- Add sugar and flour gradually while mixing on low. Then beat on medium for 2–3 more minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, then heavy cream. Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Pour into pan and tap to remove bubbles.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 200°F (without opening the door) and bake for another 55–60 minutes until set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Turn off oven, let cool inside for 15 minutes. Remove and cool completely. Chill in fridge at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Strawberry Purée
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, Jello powder, and water. Bring to a boil and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Blend in a food processor until smooth. Let cool.
- Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8” cake pans and line with parchment.
- In a stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Slowly add butter on low speed until mixture is crumbly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and cooled strawberry purée.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix. Add food coloring if desired.
- Divide batter between pans. Bake 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pans, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
- Frosting
- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add vanilla and mix. Gradually add powdered sugar on low.
- Add whipping cream and beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
- Crunch Topping
- Pulse Oreos in a food processor until coarsely crushed.
- Remove half of the crumbs. To the other half, add whipped topping and strawberry gelatin. Mix with a fork (or hands) until coated.
- Combine with remaining crumbs and mix gently.
- Assembly
- Place one cake layer face-down on a cake stand. Spread ~¾ cup frosting evenly.
- Carefully remove cheesecake from springform pan and parchment. Place cheesecake layer face-down on top of the cake.
- Spread frosting over the cheesecake layer.
- Top with second cake layer and frost entire cake.
- Gently press the crumble topping on top and sides of cake. Use a baking sheet underneath to catch excess crumbs.
- Chill cake before serving for best sliceability.
Notes
Make Ahead:
- Bake the cheesecake up to a week in advance and freeze it tightly wrapped. Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature.
Food Coloring:
- Optional, but pink coloring enhances the visual strawberry shortcake vibe.
Storage:
- Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Best enjoyed chilled.
Serving Tip:
- Slice with a hot knife for clean layers.