Strawberries & Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake

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🍓🍰 Strawberries & Cream Dream Layer Cheesecake

⏱ Time & Yield

  • Prep: 30 minutes
  • Bake: 30–35 minutes
  • Chill: 4 hours (or overnight)
  • Serves: 10–12 slices

🧾 INGREDIENTS

🍰 Cake Layer

  • 1 box vanilla or strawberry cake mix
    (You can also use red velvet if you like, but vanilla matches the photo best)
  • Ingredients listed on the cake box (usually eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍓 Strawberry Filling

  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

🧀 Cream Cheese Layer

  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold

🍓 Top Strawberry Layer

  • 2 cups whole or halved strawberries
  • ¼ cup strawberry glaze or jam (optional, for shine)

🎂 Optional Garnish

  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed vanilla cookies or cake crumbs

🥣 INSTRUCTIONS (VERY DETAILED)

🔹 STEP 1: BAKE THE CAKE

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
  2. Prepare cake batter according to package instructions + add vanilla extract.
  3. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan or square baking pan.
  4. Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Cool completely, then leave cake in the pan.

🔹 STEP 2: MAKE STRAWBERRY FILLING

  1. Add strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan.
  2. Cook on medium heat until strawberries soften and release juice.
  3. Mix cornstarch + water and stir into strawberries.
  4. Cook until thick and glossy.
  5. Cool completely.

🔹 STEP 3: MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE LAYER

  1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  4. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

🔹 STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE LAYERS

  1. Spread half of the strawberry filling over the cooled cake.
  2. Spread all the cream cheese mixture evenly on top.
  3. Spoon remaining strawberry filling over the cream layer.
  4. Add fresh strawberries on top.
  5. Brush with strawberry glaze if using.

🔹 STEP 5: CHILL

  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • This helps layers set cleanly.

🍽 SERVING

  • Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
  • Serve cold for best texture.

⭐ PRO TIPS

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for best structure
  • Chill overnight for perfect layers
  • Add gelatin (½ tsp bloomed) if you want extra firmness

🫙 STORAGE

  • Refrigerator: up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Not recommended (cream layer texture changes)

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