Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Heavenly Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Decadent layers of creamy cheesecake nestled between moist strawberry cake create a dessert that’ll make hearts flutter.

Silky smooth cream cheese filling balances perfectly with the bright, fruity notes of fresh strawberries.

Sweet summer memories dance across every single bite of this strawberry cheesecake cake recipe.

The rich, velvety texture melts effortlessly on your tongue, promising pure indulgence.

Each slice reveals a stunning combination of colors and flavors that’s both elegant and comforting.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this show-stopping dessert with a few simple techniques.

You’ll impress everyone at the table with this irresistible sweet masterpiece that transforms an ordinary gathering into a celebration.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Appeal

  • Combine the classic charm of strawberry cake with creamy cheesecake swirls and white chocolate chips for a dessert that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Leverage the convenience of boxed cake mix and simple ingredients to create a gourmet-looking dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Whether it's a family gathering, potluck, or casual weekend treat, this cake brings excitement and deliciousness to any occasion.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • Strawberry Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the primary strawberry flavor and cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the cake mix and provide richness and structure to the cake.
  • Water: Helps to moisten and blend the cake mix ingredients.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy swirl that adds depth and creaminess to the cake.
  • Butter: Provides a smooth base for the cream cheese mixture and enhances flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the cream cheese topping.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • White Chocolate Chips, Diced Strawberries: Add extra sweetness and fruity bursts throughout the cake.

Baking Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Generously coat the pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

Grab your strawberry cake mix and prepare the batter.

Mix together:
  • Cake mix
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Oil

Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar
  • Diced strawberries

Mix until the ingredients are completely combined and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly across the top.

Dollop the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls over the batter.

Step 5: Create Marbled Magic

Take a knife and gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the cake batter.

Create beautiful swirls and patterns, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

When ready to serve, slice into generous portions.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for extra indulgence.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Tips

  • Toss white chocolate chips in a bit of flour before sprinkling to help them stay suspended in the cake batter instead of sinking to the bottom.
  • Use a toothpick or thin knife to create delicate marbling patterns when combining cream cheese mixture with cake batter, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  • Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center to get an accurate reading of the cake's baking progress, avoiding dry edges or undercooked middle.
  • Pat diced strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to cream cheese mixture to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
  • Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cream cheese swirl.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 10-second intervals if needed. Be careful not to overheat, as it can make the cake tough.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Pairings

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Complement the strawberry cheesecake cake's rich sweetness with a smooth, velvety vanilla latte that echoes the dessert's creamy texture and adds a warm coffee contrast.
  • Enhance with Champagne Spritzer: Match the cake's luxurious profile with a light, bubbly champagne spritzer that cuts through the richness and highlights the fresh strawberry notes with elegant effervescence.
  • Elevate with Fresh Mint Tea: Balance the dessert's sweetness with a cool, refreshing mint tea that cleanses the palate and provides a crisp herbal counterpoint to the decadent cake.
  • Accent with White Chocolate Liqueur: Create a sophisticated pairing by serving a chilled white chocolate liqueur that mirrors the white chocolate chips in the cake and intensifies the dessert's creamy, indulgent character.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Twists

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace the strawberry cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular powdered sugar with a sugar-alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free white chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use egg replacer instead of eggs, and select a plant-based cake mix to create a completely vegan-friendly version.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace cake mix with an almond flour or coconut flour base, use a sugar-free white chocolate chip alternative, and incorporate a low-carb cream cheese mixture with stevia for a ketogenic diet-compliant dessert.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh strawberries instead of boxed cake mix?

Fresh strawberries work great in this recipe. Dice them finely and fold into the cream cheese mixture for best results. You might need to adjust liquid ingredients if not using boxed mix.

  • How do I prevent my cream cheese swirl from sinking?

Make sure your cream cheese mixture isn’t too liquid. Use room temperature cream cheese and fold gently into the cake batter. The key is a thick, stable cream cheese mixture that will sit on top of the cake batter.

  • Why should I use white chocolate chips in this recipe?

White chocolate chips add extra sweetness and create delightful melted pockets throughout the cake. They complement the strawberry flavor and add a rich, creamy texture to the dessert.

  • Is this cake suitable for make-ahead preparation?

Yes, this cake can be prepared a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually develop and become more pronounced overnight.

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Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cake marries classic dessert lovers’ dreams with creamy, luscious layers of pure delight. Rich cream cheese filling nestled between tender cake rounds will transport your palate to sweet paradise, making each bite a memorable celebration of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Decorative and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup diced strawberries
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Strawberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Set the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Prepare the strawberry cake mix according to package instructions, combining eggs, water, and oil until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, distributing it evenly across the surface.
  4. Scatter white chocolate chips uniformly over the top of the batter, ensuring they will melt during baking.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth.
  6. Gradually fold powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
  7. Gently fold diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Drop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the cake batter’s surface.
  9. Use a knife to create a marbled effect by swirling the cream cheese through the batter, creating beautiful patterns.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out with minimal moist crumbs.
  11. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  12. Once cooled, slice into servings and optionally garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before enjoying.

Notes

  • Customize the cake mix by using gluten-free or vegan alternatives for dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
  • Prevent white chocolate chips from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before sprinkling, helping them distribute evenly throughout the cake.
  • Control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture, making it perfect for those who prefer less sugary treats.
  • Enhance the strawberry flavor by using fresh, in-season strawberries or adding a splash of strawberry extract to intensify the fruity notes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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