Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberries. This rich and smooth cheesecake has a sweet, crumbly crust and is topped with a tangy strawberry sauce. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a way to enjoy a sunny afternoon.

Why Make This Recipe

Making strawberry cheesecake from scratch is a rewarding experience. It allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, homemade desserts often taste better than store-bought ones. This easy recipe will impress your family and friends, and it’s perfect for sharing. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes amazing!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Fresh strawberries, halved
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Place the springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an extra hour. Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the strawberry topping, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook until the strawberries break down. Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir it into the mixture until it thickens. Let it cool completely.
Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cooled strawberry sauce over the top. Arrange fresh strawberry halves on top and serve with whipped cream if desired.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake is best served chilled. Slice it into wedges and place on individual dessert plates. Drizzle additional strawberry sauce over each slice for extra flavor. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a delightful finish.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake

To store leftover strawberry cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of salt to the crust mixture.
You can use other fruits to top the cheesecake, such as blueberries or raspberries.

Variation

You can create a chocolate version of this cheesecake by adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling or using a chocolate cookie crust instead of the graham crackers.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the sauce. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cheesecake a day or two in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.