1. Bake the Vanilla Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs + vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients + milk.
Divide batter between pans. Bake 20-25 mins. Cool completely.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold in whipped cream.
Spread over one cooled cake layer. Chill 1 hour.
3. Macerate Strawberries
Toss strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit 15 mins.
4. Assemble the Cake
Place plain cake layer on a plate. Top with cheesecake layer.
Arrange strawberries over cheesecake. Add second cake layer.
Frost entire cake with whipped cream.
5. Decorate & Chill
Garnish with whole strawberries and shortbread crumbs.
Refrigerate 4+ hours (best overnight).
Pro Tips for Success 💡
🍓 Extra flavor? Brush cake layers with strawberry syrup.
⏳ Save time? Use store-bought sponge cake.
🧊 Clean slices? Dip knife in hot water before cutting.
🎂 Taller cake? Triple the cheesecake layer!
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
With: Sparkling rosé or iced tea
For parties: Add edible flowers for Instagram-worthy flair
Final Thoughts ✨
This strawberry shortcake cheesecake cake is summer on a plate—creamy, fruity, and impossible to resist. Warning: You’ll be asked for the recipe all season! 😉