How to Make the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

INTRODUCTION

If you love cheesecake and strawberry cake, why not combine them into one decadent, show-stopping dessert? This strawberry cheesecake cake is the perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake and moist strawberry cake layers, all topped with a luscious strawberry frosting and fresh strawberry sauce.

This recipe is ideal for special occasions, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress with a stunning homemade dessert. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tangy cheesecake, sweet strawberry cake, and velvety frosting, making it a favorite for both cheesecake and cake lovers alike.

Forget store-bought cakes this homemade strawberry cheesecake cake is easier to make than you think! With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you’ll have a bakery-quality dessert that looks and tastes amazing.

Now, let’s explore what makes this strawberry cheesecake cake truly special!

Key Benefits of Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

This strawberry cheesecake cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopper that combines two classic favorites into one irresistible treat. If you’re wondering why this cake is worth making, here are a few reasons:

The Best of Both Worlds – It’s a perfect fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake and light, fluffy strawberry cake, giving you two incredible textures in every bite.

Made with Real Strawberries – No artificial flavors here! This cake is packed with fresh strawberry puree and strawberry sauce, ensuring an authentic fruity taste.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The tangy cream cheese complements the sweetness of the strawberry cake, creating a well-rounded, delicious dessert.

Moist and Flavorful – Thanks to butter, sour cream, and fresh strawberries, the cake layers stay incredibly moist, soft, and flavorful.

A Stunning Presentation – Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or celebration, this cake looks just as good as it tastes. The beautiful layers and fresh strawberry topping make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Easier Than You Think – Despite its elegant appearance, this homemade strawberry cheesecake cake is simple to make with the right technique. Follow the steps, and you’ll have a bakery-style cake at home!

Now that you know why this cake is a must-try, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make it from scratch!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

To create the best strawberry cheesecake cake, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients and baking essentials to ensure each layer is rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened – The base of a rich, creamy cheesecake.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake while maintaining its smooth texture.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind and stabilize the cheesecake.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds richness and prevents a dry cheesecake layer.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, firm texture.

For the Strawberry Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the cake light.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Ensures a tender crumb.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
• 4 large egg whites – Keeps the cake light and fluffy.
• ½ cup sour cream – Helps maintain a moist texture.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Brings out the sweetness of the strawberries.
• ¾ cup fresh strawberry puree – Adds natural strawberry flavor and moisture.
• A few drops of red food coloring (optional) – For a more vibrant strawberry color.

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The key to a creamy, tangy frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps create a smooth consistency.
• 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree – Infuses real strawberry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.

For the Strawberry Sauce (Topping):

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped – The base of the sauce.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Helps break down the strawberries into a syrup.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Adds a bright, fresh flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water – Thickens the sauce.

With these high-quality ingredients, your strawberry cheesecake cake will have the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making it!

How to Make the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Making this strawberry cheesecake cake involves three key components: the cheesecake layer, the strawberry cake layers, and the strawberry cream cheese frosting. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a perfect, bakery-style cake.

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and cornstarch, beating until fully combined and creamy.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberry puree until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix on low speed until combined.
3. Pour in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
2. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top of the frosted cake layer.
3. Add the second strawberry cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the strawberry cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the saucepan.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

1. Drizzle the cooled strawberry sauce over the frosted cake.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an elegant finishing touch.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Now that your homemade strawberry cheesecake cake is ready, let’s go over expert tips and variations to make it even better!

Pro Tips and Variations

Want to make sure your strawberry cheesecake cake turns out perfect every time? Follow these expert tips and try some fun variations to customize the recipe to your taste!

Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

✔️ Chill the Cheesecake Layer Completely – For the easiest assembly, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. A cold cheesecake layer is easier to handle and won’t break when stacking.

✔️ Use Fresh Strawberries for the Best Flavor – Fresh strawberry puree gives the cake a natural, vibrant taste. If strawberries are out of season, use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) instead.

✔️ Prevent a Dry Cake – Don’t overmix the cake batter! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy cake.

✔️ Make the Frosting Thicker if Needed – If your strawberry cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before frosting the cake. You can also add an extra ½ cup of powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.

✔️ Level Your Cake Layers – For a professional-looking cake, trim the tops of the cake layers with a serrated knife to create an even surface before stacking.

✔️ Use a Cake Board for Easy Assembly – If transporting, assemble the cake on a sturdy cake board to keep it stable.

✔️ Refrigerate Before Slicing – Chilling the fully assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing helps it hold together for clean, even slices.

Fun Variations to Try

Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake – Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder to make a rich chocolate strawberry cake.

Lemon Strawberry Cheesecake Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy twist.

Coconut Strawberry Cheesecake Cake – Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Layer – For a deeper vanilla flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to the cheesecake batter.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes – Turn this recipe into cupcakes by baking the cheesecake and cake batter in lined cupcake tins. Frost each cupcake and top with a drizzle of strawberry sauce.

These tips and variations ensure that your homemade strawberry cheesecake cake is not only delicious but also unique to your taste. Now, let’s move on to the best ways to serve and store this cake!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry cheesecake cake is a beautiful, flavorful dessert that deserves to be served in the best way possible. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just indulging in a sweet treat, here are the best ways to serve and store it for maximum freshness and flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Chilled for the Best Texture – Since this cake contains cheesecake, it’s best served cold or slightly chilled for the perfect creamy and moist consistency.

With Fresh Strawberries – Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries on top or around the cake for a visually appealing and refreshing bite.

Drizzled with Extra Strawberry Sauce – Add a generous drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce over each slice before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Paired with Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert combination.

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – The tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry flavors pair beautifully with a hot latte, cappuccino, or herbal tea.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Since this cake contains both cheesecake and fresh fruit, proper storage is key to maintaining its flavor and texture.

• Refrigeration (Best Option) – Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
• Freezing (For Long-Term Storage) – To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Avoid Leaving at Room Temperature – Because of the cream cheese and fresh strawberries, this cake should not be left out for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

✔️ Cheesecake Layer – Bake and refrigerate the cheesecake layer up to 2 days in advance before assembling the cake.
✔️ Strawberry Sauce – Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
✔️ Cake Layers – Bake the strawberry cake layers a day before assembly to save time.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your strawberry cheesecake cake stays fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning every time you serve it! Now, let’s wrap up with a few final thoughts before answering common questions.

Conclusion

This strawberry cheesecake cake is the perfect fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake and moist, flavorful strawberry cake, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. With its real strawberry flavor, silky cream cheese frosting, and luscious strawberry sauce, every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is easy to make with step-by-step guidance and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just treating yourself, this homemade strawberry cheesecake cake is guaranteed to impress.

Now that you have all the tips and techniques, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you achieve the best results every time!

FAQs

Now that you have all the answers, it’s time to bake and enjoy this incredible strawberry cheesecake cake!