Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups
Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups are the perfect dessert to enjoy on warm days or any time you crave something sweet and fruity. They combine the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake and cheesecake into a fun and easy-to-eat cup. Each layer is filled with creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and crunchy shortcake crumbs, making them a delicious treat for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
These cheesecake cups are simple to make and require no baking, making them ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a quick dessert. They are also great for gatherings since you can prepare them ahead of time. The combination of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart—makes them a delightful treat everyone will love.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Directions:
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until it is light and fluffy.
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Make the Strawberry Layer: In a small bowl, mix the diced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate.
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Prepare the Shortcake Crumbs: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed vanilla cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until crumbly.
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Assemble the Cups: In clear dessert cups, layer the shortcake crumbs, cheesecake filling, and macerated strawberries. Repeat the layers and finish with a dollop of cheesecake filling on top.
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Garnish: Sprinkle more shortcake crumbs on top and add a fresh strawberry for presentation.
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Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy these creamy, fruity, and crumbly delights!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups
Serve these cups chilled as a refreshing dessert. They are perfect for summertime picnics, birthday parties, or gatherings. You can display them on a dessert table for guests to help themselves.
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups
Store any leftover cheesecake cups in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the layers separated if you want to maintain the crunchiness of the shortcake crumbs.
Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cups
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Use fresh strawberries when they are in season for the best flavor.
- If you like more sweetness, you can adjust the sugar in the strawberry layer.
- For a richer taste, you can use additional whipped cream in the cheesecake filling.
Variation
You can customize these cups by using different fruits like blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries. You may also add a layer of chocolate or other flavored cheesecake to mix things up.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add the fresh strawberry garnish right before serving.
2. What can I use instead of vanilla sandwich cookies?
You can use graham crackers or any other sweet cookies you like for the shortcake crumbs.
3. How do I make these gluten-free?
You can replace the vanilla sandwich cookies with gluten-free cookies or a gluten-free crumb mixture. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free.
