Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling

Name: Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Confection Corner

I absolutely love making Strawberry Shortcake with Cream Cheese Filling, especially during strawberry season. The combination of sweet strawberries with the rich and tangy cream cheese filling creates a dessert that's simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the fluffy cake to the smooth filling and juicy fruit. I've experimented with different toppings and flavors, but this classic version remains my favorite. It's perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat just for myself, bringing a taste of summer any time of the year.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:29:36.489Z

When I first attempted to make Strawberry Shortcake with Cream Cheese Filling, I realized that the cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that just elevates the traditional recipe. The balance between the sweetness of the strawberries and the slight tang of the cream cheese is a game-changer. I recommend letting the cake rest for a bit before serving, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Through experimentation, I learned that using a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese ensures the filling stays perfectly fluffy. It’s crucial to whip the cream just until soft peaks form—this provides the right texture without losing its lightness. This dessert never fails to impress!

Reasons to Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Fluffy textures that meld beautifully together
A classic dessert that impresses at any gathering

Understanding the Components

The shortcake plays a critical role in the overall structure of this dessert. Made from a simple mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, and cold butter, it creates a light, tender cake that offers a delicate crumb yet sturdy enough to hold all the delightful fillings. It's essential to handle the butter gently and not overmix the dough, as this will keep the shortcake light and fluffy, ensuring the perfect bite alongside creamy filling and juicy strawberries.

The cream cheese filling is what elevates this strawberry shortcake beyond the standard fare. By mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and whipped cream, you create a luscious, tangy layer that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature to allow for a smooth and velvety texture that blends seamlessly with the whipped cream, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the dessert.

Tips for Serving and Storage

When it comes to serving, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top for added texture and flavor contrast. This can not only make the dish visually appealing but also add a nutty flavor that works well with the strawberries and cream. If you're serving this at a gathering, cut the assembled shortcakes into quarters for easy sharing, allowing everyone to indulge without committing to a full serving at once.

If you're preparing this dessert ahead of time, you can make the shortcakes and the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their moisture, and refrigerate the filling in a airtight container as well. Assemble the shortcake just before serving to prevent sogginess from the strawberries. This keeps each component fresh and ensures that every bite maintains its intended textures.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

For the Shortcake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

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

For the Strawberry Topping

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Steps to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Toss well and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Shortcake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla until just combined. Scoop dollops of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

Assemble the Shortcake

Once the shortcakes are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the bottom half, top with some macerated strawberries, and then place the other half of the shortcake on top. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until serving.

Enjoy Your Dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries. It enhances their sweetness and gives a nice tang.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make a lighter version of this cake, consider substituting half of the heavy cream in the filling with Greek yogurt. This addition not only cuts calories but also provides a tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries while keeping the creaminess intact. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to taste as Greek yogurt can be more tart than heavy cream.

For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour in the shortcake with a gluten-free baking blend. Many of these blends contain xanthan gum, which offers similar structural integrity as gluten, helping maintain the fluffy nature of the shortcake. Just follow the measurement guidelines on the package for optimal results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shortcakes end up dense rather than fluffy, it’s likely you overmixed the batter or used warm butter. The key is to mix until just combined, allowing the flour and wet ingredients to come together without excessive kneading. In addition, always use cold butter; it creates pockets of steam during baking that help the shortcake rise.

Another common issue can be watery strawberries after they've been macerated. To combat this, make sure to drain excess liquid from the strawberries before assembling the cake. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sugar mix when macerating to help absorb some of that moisture, ensuring your dessert stays intact and doesn't become soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftover shortcake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For the filling, you can use whipped topping as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.