Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake

Strawberry cake and cheesecake lovers, get ready for the best of both worlds. This dreamy dessert layers rich vanilla cheesecake between fluffy strawberry cake, finished with a cloud of whipped cream frosting. Birthday cake or a just-because bake — this one delivers on taste, texture, and the kind of visual that gets photographed.

Why We Love Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake

The Sweet Memory That Started It All

When we were kids, birthdays in our house were a thing. Picture two giggling sisters (yes, us!) in matching aprons, sneaking spoonfuls of batter while Mom supervised. The kitchen smelled like strawberries and vanilla, the counters were dusted in powdered sugar, and we were usually mid-debate over which dessert to make cheesecake or cake.

One summer, we couldn’t decide. So, we didn’t. We layered a homemade cheesecake between two strawberry cake rounds, frosted the whole thing with whipped cream, and the Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake Cake was born.

That moment wasn’t just delicious it was defining. It became a staple at family gatherings, a wow-worthy treat that never left a slice behind. Now, years later, it’s one of the most shared desserts on our blog and a favorite among busy bakers who want something stunning without baking multiple recipes from scratch.

Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake That’ll Steal the Show

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 135 min
• Yield: 14–16 slices 1x

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Description

This Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake Cake is perfect in every way! With two layers of strawberry cake and a creamy layer of vanilla cheesecake in the middle, this cake is no joke.

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Ingredients

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VANILLA CHEESECAKE

24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup (207g) sugar

3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour

1 cup (230g) sour cream

1 tbsp vanilla extract

4 large eggs, room temperature

STRAWBERRY CAKE LAYERS

3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar

3/4 cup (173g) sour cream

2 tbsp strawberry extract

6 large egg whites, room temperature

2 1/2 cups (325g) all purpose flour

4 tsp (18g) baking powder

½ tsp salt

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry puree

7–8 drops pink food color

CREAM CHEESE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

16oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature

3 cups (720ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

1 1/4 cups (144g) powdered sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

6–10 strawberries, sliced

3 strawberries, cut in half

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F: Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C). Line the inside of a 9-inch cake pan with foil.
2. Mix cream cheese, sugar: Mix cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.
3. Add sour cream and: Add sour cream and vanilla. Mix on low.
4. Add eggs one at: Add eggs one at a time. Mix gently.
5. Pour batter into pan: Pour batter into pan. Bake in water bath for 1 hour.
6. Turn oven off, rest: Turn oven off, rest cheesecake 30 minutes, then crack door 30 minutes more.
7. Refrigerate cheesecake 5–6 hours: Refrigerate cheesecake 5–6 hours until firm.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F: Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Prepare two 9-inch cake pans.
9. Cream butter and sugar: Cream butter and sugar, then add sour cream and strawberry extract.
10. Add egg whites in: Add egg whites in two parts. Mix well.
11. Combine dry ingredients and: Combine dry ingredients and strawberry milk mixture.
12. Mix flour and milk: Mix flour and milk mixtures into batter. Add food coloring.
13. Divide into pans and: Divide into pans and bake 27–30 minutes. Cool completely.
14. Beat cream cheese for: Beat cream cheese for frosting until smooth.
15. Whip cream, sugar, and: Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks. Combine with cream cheese to stiff peaks.
16. Level cakes. Spread 1: Level cakes. Spread 1 cup frosting on first layer.
17. Place cheesecake on top: Place cheesecake on top. Add 1 cup frosting on cheesecake.
18. Top with second cake: Top with second cake layer. Trim sides if needed.
19. Frost the entire cake: Frost the entire cake and decorate with swirls and berries.
20. Refrigerate until ready to: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Best within 2–3 days.

Notes

You can make the cheesecake and cake layers a day ahead. Keep the frosting cold until ready to use.

Try different berry toppings or even swap in lemon curd for a bright twist.

• Prep Time: 45 min
• Cook Time: 90 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Why This Dessert Feels So Special

What makes this strawberry cake and cheesecake so irresistible is the perfect contrast. You get the light, moist texture of strawberry cake paired with the rich, silky bite of baked vanilla cheesecake. It’s a celebration cake, but also a comfort dessert something that brings people together. It’s become a sisterhood classic and a reader-favorite, right up there with our cheesecake and brownie cake and our no-bake Easter cheesecake recipe.

Planning a party or just craving something fruity and creamy — this cake delivers on every layer, literally. And if you’re new to layered desserts, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through every step with the same detail and love we put into every Cooking Twins recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

A Crowd-Pleasing Layered Showstopper

This strawberry cake and cheesecake hybrid isn’t just pretty it’s a flavor-packed centerpiece that wins over crowds every time. The moist strawberry cake layers are infused with real strawberry puree and extract, giving them that sweet berry punch without being overwhelming. In between? A creamy, tangy vanilla cheesecake baked to perfection.

The contrast in textures is magical: soft and fluffy meets rich and velvety. Topped with a light cream cheese whipped frosting and fresh berries, this cake has both looks and flavor on lock. It’s become a go-to for birthdays, showers, and holidays especially spring and summer celebrations.

Readers who love our no-bake orange creamsicle cheesecake also rave about how this layered version brings that same cool-creamy vibe with a little more wow-factor.

It’s Easier Than It Looks

At first glance, this dessert might seem like it’s bakery-level complicated. But we’ve broken the recipe down step-by-step so it’s totally doable, even for beginner bakers. With a little planning, you can make each component ahead of time, then assemble it when you’re ready.

You’ll bake the cheesecake first, then the cake layers. Once everything’s chilled and trimmed, it all stacks up easily and you’ll have time to decorate with fresh strawberries or even a few pieces of date chocolate bark for a fun twist.

This isn’t just a recipe it’s a dessert moment waiting to happen.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake

What You’ll Need for Each Delicious Layer

This recipe comes together in three parts: the vanilla cheesecake, the strawberry cake layers, and the cream cheese whipped frosting. Each layer brings its own texture and flavor, creating a dessert that’s rich, moist, and beautifully balanced.

Below is a full breakdown of what you’ll need:

Vanilla Cheesecake

• 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (207g) sugar
• 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230g) sour cream
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, room temperature

Strawberry Cake Layers

• ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1½ cups (310g) sugar
• ¾ cup (173g) sour cream
• 2 tbsp strawberry extract
• 6 large egg whites, room temperature
• 2½ cups (325g) all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp (18g) baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ½ cup (120ml) strawberry puree
• 7–8 drops pink food coloring

Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

• 16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups (720ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1¼ cups (144g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

To Finish & Decorate

• 6–10 strawberries, sliced
• 3 strawberries, halved

This cake is flexible, too. If you’re in a high-protein mood, try pairing a slice with our high-protein cheesecake jars for a fun dessert board. Or serve it after a light dinner like our cucumber and pineapple salad to keep things balanced and refreshing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (148°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan completely with aluminum foil, pressing it flat.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Scrape the bowl.
3. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping between each.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
6. Place this pan inside a larger one. Fill the outer pan with warm water halfway up the cheesecake pan (a water bath).
7. Bake for 1 hour. Then turn the oven off and let the cheesecake rest inside, door closed, for 30 minutes.
8. Crack the oven door and let it cool for another 30 minutes.
9. Remove and refrigerate 5–6 hours or until firm.

Step 2: Bake the Strawberry Cake Layers

10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line two 9-inch pans with parchment and grease the sides.
11. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
12. Mix in sour cream and strawberry extract.
13. Add egg whites in two parts, mixing well. Scrape down as needed.
14. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix milk and strawberry puree in a measuring cup.
15. Add half of the dry mixture to the batter, then the milk mixture, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
16. Stir in food coloring.
17. Divide evenly into pans and bake for 27–30 minutes.
18. Cool briefly, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

19. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
20. In another bowl, whip cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks.
21. Add the cream cheese to the whipped cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake

22. Level your cooled cake layers with a serrated knife.
23. Place one cake layer on a board or plate. Spread 1 cup of frosting on top.
24. Lift the chilled cheesecake from the pan and remove the foil. Place it on top of the frosting.
25. Spread another cup of frosting over the cheesecake, then top with the second cake layer.
26. Trim edges if needed so sides are flush.
27. Frost the entire cake evenly.
28. Pipe frosting swirls along the top edge using a star tip.
29. Decorate with strawberry slices around the base and strawberry halves on top.
30. Pipe a small shell border around the bottom.
31. Chill until ready to serve. For best taste and texture, enjoy within 2–3 days.

If you love desserts that combine creamy and fruity elements, you’ll also want to try our brownie in a mug for those weeknights when you need something fast and chocolatey.

Essential Knowledge About Strawberry Cheesecake Cakes

Baking Tips for Perfect Layers

Baking a cake with multiple components can feel intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to keep your strawberry cake and cheesecake layers turning out beautifully every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Especially the cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and eggs. This helps everything blend smoothly.
• Don’t skip the water bath for the cheesecake. It prevents cracks and keeps the texture ultra creamy.
• Cool gradually: Let the cheesecake sit in the oven with the door cracked sudden temperature changes can cause sinking or cracking.
• Color matters: The pink food coloring is optional, but adds a soft, festive hue to the strawberry cake that visually sets it apart.

Also, trim the cake layers so they stack evenly don’t worry, the scraps are baker’s treat!

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

We’ve tested this recipe dozens of times, and here’s where people often run into issues:

• Overmixing the batter: Especially the cake. Once you add flour, mix only until combined.
• Using watery strawberry puree: If your puree is thin, reduce it slightly on the stove to concentrate the flavor and prevent soggy cake.
• Under-whipping the frosting: Make sure you reach stiff peaks or the whipped cream frosting won’t hold up when you decorate.

If you’re trying this cake and looking for other beginner-friendly options, our date brownie balls are a quick, no-bake win.

Perfect Pairings, Creative Variations, and Storage Solutions

What to Serve with Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake

This dessert is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a few thoughtful additions makes it even more memorable. Try these crowd-pleasers:

• Fresh berries or berry coulis: Adds brightness and a pop of color.
• A chilled glass of rosé or sparkling lemonade: Light and refreshing against the richness of the cheesecake.
• Mini dessert bites: Include options like our mint chocolate pudding cookies on the side for variety without fuss.

It’s also perfect with coffee or an after-dinner espresso just the thing to wrap up a summer dinner party or family brunch.

Creative Variations & Storage Tips

Want to change things up? You absolutely can. Here are a few ideas we’ve tried and loved:

• Chocolate twist: Swap out the vanilla cheesecake with chocolate cheesecake and use chocolate-dipped strawberries on top.
• Lemon berry version: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and a layer of lemon curd between the cake and cheesecake.
• No-bake hack: Make a similar flavor combo with our no-bake Easter cheesecake recipe if you’re short on oven time.

Storage:
Keep the cake covered in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days, as the whipped cream frosting is delicate. If you’re making it ahead, assemble the cake a day in advance and decorate the top just before serving.

Bonus tip: Leftover slices freeze surprisingly well just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

FAQs About Strawberry Cake and Cheesecake

Conclusion

Strawberry cake and cheesecake come together here in the most delightful way layered, creamy, and bursting with real berry flavor. Bake it for a celebration or just because — it’s the kind of dessert that gets people talking and reaching for seconds.

We hope this strawberries and cream cheesecake cake becomes a new favorite in your kitchen like it has in ours. Don’t forget this recipe is part of a whole world of easy, chill-inspired desserts we love sharing with you.

If you give it a try, tag us or drop a message we’d love to see your version! You can find us sharing more cool desserts and behind-the-scenes baking over on Facebook.

Happy no-baking (and baking) from The Cooking Twins!