Double-Strawberry Cheesecake
A luscious double-strawberry cheesecake featuring a creamy filling and strawberry flavor, perfect for special occasions or a fruity dessert lovers' treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Reserve 1 cup of dry cake mix from the package.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cake mix, 1 egg, and vegetable oil. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom and up 3/4 of the sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In the same bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add 3 eggs and the reserved cake mix to the cream cheese mixture. Beat for 1 minute at medium speed.
- At low speed, add milk, lemon juice, and red food color. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is firm.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Spread Cool Whip topping over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using vanilla extract in the cream cheese mixture. If you're out of Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream can be used instead. To enhance the strawberry flavor, you can incorporate fresh strawberries into the filling or as a topping. This cheesecake can also be made with a chocolate cake mix for a delicious twist, similar to Double Chocolate Cheesecake.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesecake is best served chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an extra touch. It pairs well with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Christmas Drop Cookies for a delightful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure that the Cool Whip topping is added just before serving to maintain its texture. If you need to freeze it, wrap in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double-Strawberry Cheesecake contains roughly 597 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 544mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create a unique cheesecake. Each variation will provide a different taste and complement the cream cheese filling in its own way.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is firm but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that it will continue to set as it cools.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the Cool Whip topping right before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).