Here’s a full recipe for Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake! This delicious dessert combines a soft vanilla cake with a cheesecake layer, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for a dreamy, fruity treat.
Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake
Servings: 12-14
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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16 oz cream cheese (2 packages), softened
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1 cup sour cream
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¾ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Strawberry Topping:
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1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
For the Whipped Cream:
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2 cups heavy cream
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Vanilla Cake:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes) using an electric mixer.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk in three parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using). Beat until well combined and fluffy.
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Chill the cheesecake mixture in the refrigerator while the cakes cool. It should firm up a bit as it chills.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
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In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir to coat the strawberries and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them release their juices and creates a syrupy sauce.
4. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
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In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
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Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
5. Assemble the Cake:
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Place one layer of the vanilla cake on a serving platter.
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Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the top of the cake layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
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Top with the second cake layer, pressing it down gently.
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Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, covering it completely.
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Arrange the strawberries with their syrupy juices on top of the whipped cream.
6. Chill and Serve:
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For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together and allow the cheesecake layer to firm up.
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Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your dreamy, creamy strawberry cheesecake cake!
Tips:
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If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake layer, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste.
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For a more decorative touch, you can garnish with whole strawberries or fresh mint leaves around the edges of the cake.
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You can also add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or jam for extra flavor.