Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake

Here’s a detailed recipe for Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake—a delicious layered dessert combining cheesecake, cake, and strawberries. It’s the perfect dessert for a special occasion or just when you want something indulgent!

Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)

For the Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Additional fresh strawberries (whole or halved)

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes) using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate adding flour and milk: Add the dry flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.

4. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter over one of the cake layers (the first one you made). Smooth it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

5. Cool: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

1. Mix the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, until the strawberries release their juice and become syrupy.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Topping

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cake: Start with one of the cake layers (without the cheesecake layer). Place it on a serving platter.

2. Add the cheesecake: Carefully place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer (the cheesecake will be thicker and more delicate, so use a spatula to help lift it). Press gently to ensure it sticks well.

3. Add the second cake layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake layer.

4. Top with strawberries: Spoon the syrupy strawberries and their juices over the top of the cake.

5. Add whipped cream: Pipe or spread the whipped cream around the edges or in dollops on top of the strawberries. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh strawberries for decoration.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the layers set and makes the cake easier to slice.

2. Serve: Slice the cake and enjoy the layers of moist cake, creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream.

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Tips:

• Cake Texture: Make sure not to overmix the cake batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.

• Cheesecake Tip: If you want the cheesecake layer to be a bit firmer, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the cheesecake filling.

• Make Ahead: This cake is great for making ahead! You can prepare the cake and cheesecake layers the night before and just assemble and decorate on the day you plan to serve it.

Enjoy your Strawberries and Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake Cake! It’s a show-stopper dessert that’s sure to impress!