Description
A layered dessert that combines moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake, and a crunchy vanilla-strawberry cookie crumble, perfect for celebrations or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
- 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin mix
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 5–6 drops red food coloring gel
- 16.5 oz box Strawberry Supreme cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin mix
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare cookie crumb layers: Crush cookies and split into two bowls. Mix one bowl with strawberry gelatin; the other with 2 tbsp melted butter. Add food coloring to the gelatin bowl with the remaining melted butter. Bake both at 350°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
- Bake strawberry cake layers: Beat cake mix, eggs, butter, milk, and gelatin until smooth. Divide between two greased 9-inch pans and bake at 350°F for 24–28 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make cheesecake layer: Whisk sugar and cornstarch. Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, then add sugar mixture until smooth. Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan, bake at 325°F for 40 minutes. Turn off oven; let sit inside for 20 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes, then freeze for 1 hour.
- Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter for 1½–2 minutes. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Assemble cake: Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread ¼ cup frosting on top. Unmold and invert cheesecake onto it; spread another ¼ cup frosting. Add second cake layer. Frost sides and top with remaining frosting. Press cookie crumbs all over the cake.
Notes
- Do not freeze the assembled cake; it affects texture and structure.
- Use gluten-free cookies and cake mix for a gluten-free version.
- Vanilla or lemon cake mix can be used as alternatives for flavor variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
