Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
A delightful and easy-to-make strawberry cheesecake with a yellow cake crust, perfect for any occasion. A true family favorite!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Bowl
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Simple Crust
- cooking spray for baking dish
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25-ounce
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter 1 1/2 sticks, melted
Creamy Filling
- 3 packages cream cheese 8-ounce, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 tsp finely grated lemon zest from 2 medium lemons
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Fruity Topping & Garnish
- 1 can strawberry pie filling 21-ounce
- fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for an easy cleanup.
- Create the Simple Crust: In a large bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix and melted butter until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a delicious, buttery crust.
- Whip Up the Creamy Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and wonderfully creamy. Carefully spread this dreamy cream cheese layer over your crust.
- Add the Fruity Topping: Gently spoon and spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the cream cheese layer.
- Bake and Chill to Perfection: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and bubbly, and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let all the flavors meld and set.
- Serve with a Smile: Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Slice and, if you're feeling fancy, garnish each piece with fresh strawberries for a bright, healthy touch.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 410
- Total Carbs: 40g
- Net Carbs: 39g
- Fats: 26g
- Protein: 6g
