3 Layer Cheesy Strawberry Cake

⏱ 60 mins 🍽 16 serving(s) 🏷 Dessert

This unique chilled dessert blends elements of cake and cheesecake. It features a soft, lemony dough base, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a fresh strawberry glaze. The crust requires chilling for at least 4 hours before the final berry layer is added, making it an excellent prepare-ahead option for parties. It yields 16 servings and takes about 60 minutes of active preparation time, not including chilling.

3 Layer Cheesy Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup margarine, softened
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, plus
  • 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese (low fat works fine)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup currant jelly (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (to garnish) or 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds (to garnish)

Method

  1. Prepare the first layer 4 to 24 hours in advance by heating your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Place the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and baking powder into a bowl.
  3. Work the softened margarine into the dry mixture until it resembles cornmeal.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, milk, and vanilla, then pour this into the dry ingredients. Stir just until a soft dough forms.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the base of a 9 x 13 inch pan using your fingertips.
  6. For the second layer, place all the listed cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and lemon juice together.
  7. Use an electric mixer on a high setting to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
  8. Pour this creamy filling over the dough layer in the pan.
  9. Place the pan in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes or until the top turns a golden brown colour.
  10. Allow the baked dessert to cool fully, then cover it.
  11. Chill the covered dessert in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
  12. Three hours or less before you plan to serve it, begin the final layer.
  13. Place the sliced strawberries neatly over the top of the chilled cake.
  14. Stir the currant jelly until it softens, then use a pastry brush to coat the berries with it.
  15. Finish by scattering fresh blueberries or toasted almond slices over the top. To toast the almonds, cook them in a dry frying pan, stirring often, until they are lightly browned.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium203200 mg

Recipe details

CategoryDessert
AuthorAroostook