Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/4 cup sugar

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Crumbs

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling for special occasions. The sweetness of the strawberries combined with the creamy filling creates a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Each layer is a new experience, from the fluffy cake to the rich cream. It’s a recipe that brings back fond memories and always gets rave reviews. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a family gathering, this dessert is sure to shine and become a favorite.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-02-23T22:49:36.380Z

When I first tried making this Strawberry Shortcake with Cream Cheese Filling, I wanted to elevate the classic dessert. I experimented with various fillings and found that cream cheese adds a rich texture that pairs perfectly with the berries. It took me a few tries to get the balance just right, but the result was worth it! This treat feels light yet indulgent, primarily due to the fresh whipped cream and tart strawberries.

One little secret I learned is to macerate the strawberries with a bit of sugar beforehand. This process not only enhances their sweetness but also creates a delightful syrup that soaks into the cake layers. Trust me; it elevates the entire dessert and makes every bite incredibly flavorful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy strawberries bring a burst of freshness to each bite
Cream cheese filling adds a rich and creamy contrast
Perfect balance of flavors for any gathering or celebration

Mastering the Cake Texture

To achieve the perfect fluffy texture for your cake, ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature. This allows for better incorporation of air, leading to a lighter cake. When mixing the butter with sugar, aim for a pale and fluffy consistency before adding in your wet ingredients. This step is crucial; under-whipping can result in a denser cake.

When baking your cakes, keep an eye on them in the latter part of the baking time. They should become golden on the edges and spring back when lightly pressed. If they begin to crack in the center, you may have overmixed the batter or baked them for too long. If this happens, don’t fret; you can still cover them with whipped cream and strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Cream Cheese Filling Techniques

It’s essential to beat the cream cheese until completely smooth before adding the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the filling. If you find that your cream cheese is still clumpy, you can warm it slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) to facilitate easier mixing. Just be cautious not to melt it, as the filling should stay firm when assembled.

When whipping the heavy cream, ensure that both your bowl and beaters are cold. This technique helps to achieve stiffer peaks more quickly. If your whipped cream isn't holding its shape, you may have over-whipped it. In that case, try to fold it gently back into the filling to restore some softness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious shortcake!

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries

4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's get started!

Instructions

The preparation process involves making the cake, preparing the filling, and assembling the dessert.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.

Make the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Incorporate milk, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Pour into greased cake pans and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Assemble the Shortcake

Once the cakes are cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a layer of cream cheese filling on one half, then top with macerated strawberries. Place the other half on top, repeat the filling and strawberries, and finish with whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Slice, serve, and savor your homemade Strawberry Shortcake with Cream Cheese Filling!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries or a hint of orange zest to the cream filling.

Storing and Making Ahead

Strawberry shortcake can be made ahead of time, but for the best texture, I suggest assembling just before serving. You can prepare the cake layers and cream cheese filling a day in advance. Store the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature, and keep the filling in the refrigerator. Just whip the cream as per the instructions before final assembly for that fresh taste.

If you have leftovers, store the assembled shortcake in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, be aware that the cake may absorb syrup from the strawberries and become soggy. If you're concerned about this, consider keeping the strawberry topping separate and adding it just before serving.

Flavor Variations

While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Fresh peaches, blueberries, or raspberries can make delightful variations. Just prepare them in the same way as the strawberries, macerating them with a bit of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and release their juices.

For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling. This not only adds a refreshing brightness but also complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. You can also exchange some of the cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter filling with a different flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long can I store the leftover cake?

The completed cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the cake layers ahead of time. Just thaw them before assembly.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone cheese works well as a substitute and adds a slightly different flavor.