INGREDIENTS
Cookie Crumb Layer
36 vanilla sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
3 oz box strawberry gelatin mix
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
5–6 drops red food coloring gel (optional, for color)
Strawberry Cake Layers
1 (16.5 oz) box Strawberry Supreme cake mix
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup whole milk
1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix
Cheesecake Layer
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
16 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Make the Cookie Crumbs
1. In a food processor or by hand, crush the vanilla sandwich cookies until coarsely crumbled.
2. Add strawberry gelatin powder, melted butter, and food coloring gel.
3. Toss or pulse until combined and mixture resembles coarse, colorful crumbs. Set aside.
2️⃣ Bake the Strawberry Cake Layers
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and gelatin mix.
3. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
4. Divide evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool completely in pans, then remove and chill.
3️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Layer
1. Lower oven temp to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment; wrap bottom in foil (for water bath).
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and cornstarch; beat until combined.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated (don’t overmix).
4. Pour batter into pan. Place pan into a larger pan filled with hot water (water bath).
5. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until center is slightly jiggly.
6. Turn off oven and let cheesecake rest inside with door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
7. Remove, cool completely, then refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.
4️⃣ Make the Frosting
1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mix until creamy.
3. Add heavy cream and beat until light, spreadable, and smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake
1. Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting.
2. Add the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
3. Spread a thin layer of frosting again, then add the second strawberry cake layer.
4. Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
5. Press the cookie crumbs all around the sides and top of the cake.
6. Chill for 30–60 minutes before slicing.
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