To prepare the springform pan for the cheesecake, wash it (from baking the shortcake), spray with non-stick spray and reassemble with the shortcake in the bottom of the pan. Line the inside edge of the pan (between the pan and the shortcake) with parchment paper to help the cheesecake not stick to the sides of the pan and to make sure that the filling doesn’t end up higher than the sides of the pan.
Slice 6-10 strawberries that are about the same size and place them around the outer edge of the shortcake. They should be pressed against the inside of the springform pan, standing on top of the shortcake. Set prepared pan aside.
Add the cream cheese and sugar to a large mixing bowl and beat until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Add the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in 2 parts, gently folding until well combined. Set aside.
Spread about 1/2 cup of the cheesecake filling on top of the shortcake and spread into a thin layer.
Cut the green tops off of another 18-24 strawberries. Arrange the strawberries top-down on top of the thin cheesecake layer. Leave some space between each of the strawberries so that they aren’t touching and cheesecake can be added to fill in the space. The number of strawberries you use will depend on how big they are and how closely you place them.
Drop remaining cheesecake filling on top of the strawberries in spoonfuls, making sure it fills in all the spaces. Spread the remaining cheesecake evenly over the strawberries. Depending on the size of the berries, they might poke through the top of the cheesecake a bit – that’s okay.
Refrigerate cheesecake until firm, about 4-5 hours.