Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ cup strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
1 cup whole milk
Pink food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry puree (or jam)
1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
Pink food coloring (optional)
For the Garnish:
Golden Oreos
Fresh strawberries, chopped
Strawberry glaze or syrup
Directions:
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool completely, then freeze for 1–2 hours for easier assembly.
Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layers:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add pink food coloring for extra color, if desired.
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Mix in the strawberry puree and pink food coloring for color. Add milk as needed for spreading consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate and frost the top lightly.
Add the cheesecake layer on top and frost again.
Place the second strawberry cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the strawberry frosting.
Decorate:
Garnish with crushed or whole Golden Oreos, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry glaze or syrup for added flavor and presentation.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the layers set. Enjoy this dreamy pink strawberry cheesecake cake!
