How to Make the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe at Home!

There’s something magical about combining two of the most beloved desserts into one irresistible creation, and that’s exactly what this strawberry cheesecake cake recipe does! Imagine the light, airy layers of a moist strawberry cake combined with the creamy, decadent filling of a cheesecake. The result? A dessert so delicious that it’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings to cozy weekends at home.
This recipe is not just about taste—it’s also easy to make and absolutely stunning to serve. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this strawberry cheesecake cake is sure to impress. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or complicated techniques. It’s simple, fun, and packed with flavor.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from gathering the ingredients to assembling the cake. Along the way, we’ll dive into some helpful tips, variations, and a few FAQs to ensure your creation turns out perfectly every time.
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ll love our Easy Mini Pancakes Recipe—perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe 🍓❤️
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good cheesecake? But what if you could take that creamy, indulgent treat and add a twist? That’s where this strawberry cheesecake cake recipe comes in. It’s a showstopper that combines the best of both worlds: the light, fluffy layers of a strawberry cake paired with a rich, velvety cheesecake filling. Not only is it mouthwatering, but it’s also visually stunning.
A Perfect Blend of Cake and Cheesecake
The beauty of this recipe lies in the perfect marriage of two desserts. The cake layers are light and fluffy, bursting with the sweet, tart flavor of fresh strawberries. Then, you get to the cheesecake layer—rich, creamy, and smooth. Each bite offers a little something different, with the softness of the cake and the decadence of the cheesecake filling. It’s like having your cake and eating cheesecake too!
Ideal for Any Occasion 🎉
This cake with cheesecake layer is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself on a weekend afternoon, this dessert works for any occasion. You can serve it as the star of the show or as a delightful addition to a dessert spread. The bright, refreshing flavor of strawberry makes it a perfect summer treat, but you can enjoy it year-round!
Simple Ingredients, Amazing Taste
One of the best things about this strawberry cheesecake cake is how simple it is to make. You don’t need to source exotic ingredients or spend hours in the kitchen. Most of what you need can be found in your pantry or local grocery store. And even though it looks and tastes like a fancy dessert, it’s incredibly straightforward to prepare. A little bit of time, patience, and love, and you’ll have a cake that everyone will rave about.
Customizable with Different Toppings 🍓🍫
The beauty of this cake lies in its adaptability. You can dress it up however you like! Add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle some fresh strawberry glaze over the top, or sprinkle some chocolate shavings for a little extra indulgence. The cake itself is a perfect blank canvas for endless variations. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with fancy decorations, this strawberry cheesecake cake will look just as amazing as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🍰🧀
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here. This dessert is all about using the best-quality ingredients to get the best flavor.
For the Strawberry Cake Layers 🍓
- 1 box of strawberry cake mix (Yes, using a boxed mix is totally okay here! It saves time and still delivers great results.)
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (For moisture)
- 3 large eggs (To bind everything together)
- 1 cup of water (For the cake mix)
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries (Chopped finely or mashed)
The strawberry cake mix will be your base, and the addition of fresh strawberries will take it to the next level. This extra bit of fruitiness will make the cake moist and bursting with that fresh, vibrant strawberry flavor.
For the Cheesecake Layer 🧀
- 2 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese (Make sure they’re softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (To sweeten the cheesecake layer)
- 2 large eggs (These will help set the cheesecake)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (For a lovely aroma and flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (To add richness and depth)
The cheesecake layer is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to fuss with a water bath or any of those complex baking techniques. The cream cheese and sour cream will give the layer its signature tangy flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting 🍰
- 8 oz cream cheese (Softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (At room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar (Depending on how sweet you like it)
This frosting will be smooth, fluffy, and the perfect complement to the rich cake layers. It’s simple but luxurious!
Optional Garnishes & Toppings 🍓✨
- Fresh strawberries (For topping)
- Whipped cream (Optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (For decoration)
These garnishes add a pop of color and extra flavor. You can keep it simple with just strawberries or get a little fancy with whipped cream and chocolate.
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe 🧑🍳🔪
Having the right tools can make a big difference when it comes to baking. Here are the essential kitchen tools you’ll need to make this strawberry cream cheese cake.
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Baking Pans & Mixing Bowls 🍰 | Two 9-inch round cake pans for baking the strawberry layers; large mixing bowls for cake batter and cheesecake filling. |
Electric Mixer for Smooth Batter 🎛️ | A stand or hand-held mixer ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling and frosting. |
Cake Leveler for Perfect Layers 🍰 | Optional but helpful for achieving even cake layers for a professional look. |
Cooling Racks & Decorating Tools 🍓 | Helps cakes cool evenly; piping bags and decorative tips add extra flair when decorating. |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cake 🍰🧑🍳
Now for the fun part—baking the cake! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step to make sure you end up with a cake that’s as amazing as it sounds.

Baking the Strawberry Cake Layers 🍓
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Then, mix the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large bowl. Stir in the mashed or chopped fresh strawberries, and mix everything until smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Preparing the Cheesecake Layer 🧀
While the cake layers are cooling, make the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled strawberry cake layers. Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool completely before assembling the cake.
Assembling the Cake and Frosting 🍰
Once everything is cooled, carefully layer the strawberry cake with the cheesecake filling. Apply a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting on top and around the sides. You can use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly or pipe it on for a decorative touch.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Cake 🍓💡
Baking a cake that looks as good as it tastes can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll end up with a stunning dessert every time. Here are some pro tips to ensure your strawberry cheesecake cake is perfect:
Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter 🧑🍳
When mixing your cake batter, be sure to mix it just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake, and that’s not what we want here! So, gently stir the ingredients and stop once everything is well incorporated.
Ensure the Cream Cheese Is Softened 🧀
For a smooth and lump-free cheesecake layer, it’s important to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If the cream cheese is too cold, you’ll end up with lumps that are hard to blend out. It’s best to leave it out for about 30 minutes before using it.
Use Fresh Strawberries for a Fresher Taste 🍓
While you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe, using fresh strawberries will elevate the flavor of both the cake and the cheesecake layers. The fresh, natural sweetness of the strawberries will make your cake taste more vibrant and refreshing.
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Assembling ⏳
It might be tempting to dive right into assembling your cake, but allowing the cake layers and cheesecake filling to cool completely is essential. If they’re too warm, the layers might fall apart or become soggy when stacked.
Variations on the Strawberry Cheesecake Cake 🍓🎨
While the strawberry cheesecake cake recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences or make it more festive. Here are some fun variations to try:
Add a Layer of Jam or Strawberry Compote 🍓
For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, try spreading a layer of strawberry jam or fresh strawberry compote between the cake and cheesecake layers. This will add a rich, jammy texture and deepen the fruity flavor.
Use Other Berries for a Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cake 🍇🍓
Not a fan of strawberries? No problem! Swap out the fresh strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can even use a mix of berries for a colorful, tangy twist.
Make it Chocolatey 🍫
If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding a chocolate drizzle or even a layer of chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. You can also use a chocolate cake mix instead of the strawberry one for a delightful chocolate-strawberry cheesecake cake combo.
Try a No-Bake Version ❄️
For an even easier version of this dessert, you can make a no-bake strawberry cheesecake cake. Simply prepare the strawberry cake mix as directed but skip the baking. Instead, layer the cheesecake filling and set it in the fridge for a few hours to chill and firm up.
How to Serve and Store Your Strawberry Cheesecake Cake 🍰🥄
Now that your strawberry cheesecake cake is perfectly baked and frosted, it’s time to think about serving and storing it. Here’s everything you need to know:

Serving Suggestions 🍓
Serve your cake chilled with a drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce, whipped cream, or even a few extra strawberries on top for that finishing touch. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea, making it the perfect dessert for any time of day. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Following a low-carb lifestyle? These Quick Keto Desserts are a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
How to Store Your Cake 🥶
After you’ve served your slices, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake fresh for up to 3 days. The cheesecake layer is best when served cold, so always store the cake in the fridge to maintain its creamy texture.
If you plan to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze the individual slices. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓🍰
Let’s answer some common questions about making this strawberry cheesecake cake recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time? ⏳
Yes, you can! This cake actually gets even better the day after it’s made as the flavors have time to meld together. Once it’s assembled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh.
Can I Freeze the Cake? ❄️
Absolutely! If you want to make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion, you can freeze the cake layers and cheesecake layer separately. Once they’re completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight and assemble the cake.
How Can I Make a Gluten-Free Version? 🌾🚫
To make a gluten-free strawberry cheesecake cake, swap the strawberry cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix. You can also make your own gluten-free cake base using almond flour or rice flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cream cheese and sour cream, are also gluten-free.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries? 🍓❄️
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe, but be sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. Fresh strawberries will give a more vibrant flavor and texture, but frozen strawberries work just fine in a pinch.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe 🍰🍓
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making the best strawberry cheesecake cake recipe at home! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this cake is incredibly easy to make and will impress everyone who gets a bite. The soft strawberry cake layers paired with the rich, creamy cheesecake filling make for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and make any occasion special.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking—this strawberry cheesecake cake is waiting to be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tagging #StrawberryCheesecakeCake so we can all admire your beautiful work! 🍓🍰
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