Strawberry Cheesecake Shortcake Cake

Ingredients

• 16 oz frozen strawberries (1 bag)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• water (a splash)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for the glaze)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 butter cake mix (1 standard box)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 0.333 cup sour cream
• 1 stick butter (melted)
• 1 cup strawberries (chopped, for folding into cake)
• 1 block cream cheese (room temperature; 8 oz)
• 0.5 stick butter (room temperature)
• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract (1-2 tsp for frosting)
• 0.75 tub Cool Whip (or whipped cream)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 315°F (157°C).

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter cake mix, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup sour cream, and 1 stick of melted butter. Mix until well combined.

3. 3

   Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped strawberries into the cake batter.

4. 4

   Pour the batter into a greased baking pan (typically 9x13 inch) and bake for 44–48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. 5

   While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the 16 oz bag of frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup brown sugar, a splash of water, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp lemon juice.

6. 6

   Simmer the strawberry mixture over medium heat until thickened.

7. 7

   Blend the thickened strawberry mixture until smooth using a blender (or mash thoroughly by hand if a blender is unavailable). Allow the glaze to cool.

8. 8

   Once the cake has completely cooled, poke holes all over the surface using a fork or the end of a wooden spoon.

9. 9

   Pour the prepared strawberry glaze over the top of the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Place the cake in the fridge for at least 45 minutes to allow the glaze to soak in and set.

10. 10

    Prepare the frosting by beating 1 block of room-temperature cream cheese, 1/2 stick of room-temperature butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1-2 tsp of vanilla extract together until smooth.

11. 11

    Gently fold in about 3/4 of a tub of Cool Whip (or whipped cream) into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.

12. 12

    Spread the cheesecake whipped frosting over the chilled cake. Optionally decorate with additional fresh strawberries before serving.

Notes

If you don't have a blender for the glaze, you can mash the strawberries as best you can. The author notes that adding sour cream requires a slightly longer bake time (4-6 minutes extra) than a standard mix. For best results, ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are truly at room temperature to avoid lumps.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• cake
• strawberry
• cheesecake
• baked
• summer
• easy desserts