Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry cheesecake is a delicious dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries. It’s perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat at home. With its smooth filling and tasty crust, this dessert is sure to please everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making strawberry cheesecake from scratch is rewarding and fun. You get to enjoy the process of creating a delicious treat that is better than any store-bought version. Plus, it allows you to customize the sweetness and freshness to your liking. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dessert that brings a taste of summer to any table!

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Crushed graham crackers (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool.

2. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by heavy cream. Pour batter onto the prepared crust.

3. Bake cheesecake: Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set. Turn off the oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Prepare strawberry topping: In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until softened. Stir in strawberry jam and cook until thickened. Cool to room temperature.

5. Assemble cheesecake: Spread strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake.

6. Serve: Slice and enjoy the creamy, fruity dessert!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake

Serve strawberry cheesecake cold, straight from the fridge. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra sweetness. It looks beautiful when garnished with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cheesecake

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t skip chilling the cheesecake overnight; this helps improve the flavor and texture.
• Use fresh strawberries for the topping for the best flavor.
• You can easily prepare the strawberry topping while the cheesecake is baking to save time.

Variation

You can try adding different fruits for the topping, such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also swirl some fruit puree into the cheesecake filling for a fun twist!

FAQs

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

2. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.

3. How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?
   The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.