The mix of strawberry cake and cheesecake always feels like a little celebration on a plate. It reminds me of the summer my youngest turned five. She wanted two cakes at once—cheesecake like Dad’s birthday treat, and strawberry cake like the one from her favorite cartoon. Instead of choosing, I stacked them. The result? A dreamy strawberry cake and cheesecake that had everyone asking for seconds and the recipe.
If you’re a fan of fruity layers and creamy fillings, this dessert was made for you. Whether you’re planning a birthday, holiday, or a quiet night with something sweet, this cake brings the best of both worlds together. And don’t worry, it sounds fancy but it’s totally doable. We’ll cover easy prep tricks, layering tips, and no-bake options too.
I’ve made this recipe several ways over the years, including versions inspired by my strawberry earthquake cake, and sometimes with a shortcut cake mix when life gets hectic. Like all my favorites here at The Recipe Lounge, this strawberry cake and cheesecake is mom-tested and picky-eater approved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake – Two Classics, One Epic Dessert
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This strawberry cake and cheesecake combines the best of two desserts: moist strawberry cake layers, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh berries. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a showstopper.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
1 box strawberry cake mix (or homemade)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 cup diced fresh strawberries
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
To Assemble:
Fresh strawberries (whole + sliced)
Strawberry jam (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan and a round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the cheesecake layer first. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
3. Pour cheesecake batter into the springform pan. Bake 40–45 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely, then chill.
4. Prepare the cake mix according to box directions (or use homemade). Fold in diced strawberries. Divide into prepared pans and bake. Cool completely.
5. Make the frosting by beating cream cheese until fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Slowly add whipped cream and beat to stiff peaks.
6. To assemble: Place cheesecake layer on serving plate. Add a thin layer of frosting. Top with strawberry cake layer.
7. Frost the entire cake and decorate with fresh strawberries and optional jam drizzle.
8. Chill 1 hour before serving for best slices.
Notes
You can use homemade strawberry cake or your favorite box mix.
Chill all layers before assembling for clean slicing.
Substitute whipped topping for frosting to save time.
Decorate with strawberry slices, sprinkles, or mint leaves for a festive finish.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
How to make strawberry cake and cheesecake at home
Start with a creamy cheesecake layer
The cheesecake base gives this dessert its rich, smooth texture. I always start by preparing the cheesecake layer first so it has time to chill. Gather cream cheese, granulated sugar, a few eggs, and a dash of vanilla to build the creamy base. Mix it just until smooth—don’t overbeat it, or it may crack when baking. For the crust, go classic with crushed graham crackers and butter, or try vanilla wafers if you’re feeling playful.
Bake the cheesecake gently at a low temperature, then let it cool fully before stacking your cake. I sometimes prep this part the night before and let it set in the fridge while I get the strawberry cake ready.
Bake (or mix) your strawberry cake layer
You can go two routes here. From scratch, use fresh strawberry puree, eggs, flour, and sugar for a moist, flavorful cake. Or, if you’re in a rush, a boxed strawberry cake mix works perfectly—just fold in diced strawberries for that fresh pop of flavor. The key is to keep it light and fluffy so it balances well with the dense cheesecake.
When stacking, I like to freeze the cheesecake layer slightly to help it stay firm while I add the strawberry cake on top. It’s a trick I also use when making layered treats like this rainbow cake rainbow, and it always helps with clean slicing.
Variations: Easy, no-bake, and birthday-ready twists
Use cake mix for a shortcut that still feels homemade
If you don’t have time to make the cake layer from scratch, don’t worry. You can still create a stunning strawberry cake and cheesecake using a boxed strawberry cake mix. Just add a few extras—like a spoonful of sour cream or diced fresh strawberries—to boost the flavor and make it feel more homemade.
When I’m in a rush (or have little helpers at my side), I turn to these time-savers often. It’s the same reason I love quick favorites like this brownie in a mug: easy, delicious, and totally fuss-free. With cake mix, you’ll still get beautiful layers and great flavor without sacrificing your whole afternoon.
If you’re serving this as a birthday cake, top it with whipped cream swirls and fresh berries, or go all in with rainbow sprinkles and a sparkler candle. Kids love it, and adults ask for the recipe.
Try a no-bake version for warm days or make-ahead events
For a summer party or family picnic, I sometimes skip the oven entirely. A no-bake strawberry cake and cheesecake starts with a cookie crust (like crushed graham or shortbread), topped with a no-bake cheesecake layer made from whipped cream, softened cream cheese, and sugar. Layer it with sliced strawberries or a homemade strawberry compote, then chill until set.
You can even turn it into individual jars or bars for easy serving. I’ve done this for birthday parties and paired it with fruity sides like my watermelon sorbet or camping snacks when we’re celebrating outdoors.
This version is lighter, quicker, and still gives you that perfect mix of creamy and sweet, just like a classic strawberry cake and cheesecake.
Layers, toppings, and shortcake-style magic
Stack it right for a stunning slice
The secret to a beautiful strawberry cake and cheesecake is in the layering. Once both your cake and cheesecake layers are baked and fully cooled, trim the tops if needed to make them even. I usually cover each layer and pop them in the fridge for an hour or two, which makes them easier to stack and slice. Cold layers stack better and give you those clean, bakery-style slices.
Begin by placing the cheesecake layer at the base for a solid foundation. Then, spread a little whipped cream or frosting between each tier to hold it all together. If you’re going for drama, add sliced strawberries or strawberry preserves between layers too—it gives extra flavor and color.
That technique works just as well for other stacked treats, like my strawberry earthquake cake, where every bite is about bold textures and sweet surprises. Once everything’s stacked, frost the whole thing with a generous coat of cream cheese frosting or whipped topping.
Add a shortcake twist for a nostalgic finish
If you love strawberry shortcake, bring that vibe into your strawberry cake and cheesecake. Swap the traditional crust with shortbread cookie crumbs or layer with fresh sliced strawberries and fluffy whipped cream instead of frosting.
I sometimes use this approach for summer gatherings, especially when pairing with playful treats like rice crispy treat ice cream sandwiches. It lightens the dessert while still keeping the strawberry flavors front and center.
Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or even crushed freeze-dried strawberries for color and crunch. Whether you keep it classic or add a shortcake spin, this cake always makes an impression.
Conclusion: When Two Desserts Become One
There’s no need to choose between fruity and creamy when you can have both in every bite. Strawberry cake and cheesecake brings all the flavors you love into one showstopping dessert. Whether you go full-on from scratch or take a few helpful shortcuts, this cake is about celebration, comfort, and a whole lot of joy.
So the next time you need something extra special—whether it’s for a birthday, family dinner, or sweet craving—this is the dessert that delivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake
What’s the best strawberry cake and cheesecake recipe?
The best version combines moist strawberry cake layers with a rich, creamy cheesecake center. You can bake both layers from scratch, or use shortcuts like boxed cake mix and no-bake cheesecake filling. I love pairing mine with fresh berries or even adding a layer of strawberry jam for extra flavor.
Is there an easy strawberry cake and cheesecake version?
Absolutely! Use a strawberry cake mix for the base and prep a no-bake cheesecake layer using cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. Stack, chill, and enjoy. This shortcut version tastes incredible and comes together fast, just like my go-to brownie in a mug.
How do I make strawberry cream cheese cake with cake mix?
Start with a boxed strawberry cake mix, then bake according to instructions. For the cheesecake part, blend cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, then bake separately or make it no-bake. Once both layers are cooled, stack them and top with whipped frosting or strawberry sauce.
What’s a good strawberry cheesecake birthday cake recipe?
Use strawberry cake for the layers and a baked cheesecake center, then decorate with pink whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and fun sprinkles. It’s festive, beautiful, and guaranteed to be a birthday hit—especially paired with fun treats like gummy bear popsicles.
Can I make strawberry cake and cheesecake with no baking?
Yes! Use a graham cracker crust, no-bake cheesecake filling, and layer it with sliced strawberries or no-bake strawberry cake bars. Chill until firm. It’s a perfect summer dessert when the oven stays off.
Can I use Philadelphia cream cheese in strawberry cheesecake?
Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese works beautifully and gives your strawberry cake and cheesecake that smooth, rich texture. Always soften it first to blend easily.
Is strawberry shortcake cheesecake the same thing?
Not exactly. Strawberry shortcake cheesecake usually includes crushed cookies or shortbread, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It has more of a no-bake, chilled dessert vibe, though the flavors overlap beautifully.
Can I make a no-bake strawberry shortcake cheesecake?
Yes, and it’s delicious. Layer crushed vanilla cookies or graham crackers, whipped cream cheese filling, and strawberry topping. Chill for several hours and serve with a spoonful of joy.
