Strawberry Cheesecake | Creamy and Dreamy

A Timeless Dessert Classic

Strawberry cheesecake, a global favorite, combines the ancient tradition of cheesecake with the modern twist of sweet-tart strawberries. Emerging in the 20th century, its blend of smooth cream cheese and strawberries offers an irresistible, indulgent yet refreshing dessert.

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – A Creamy, Sweet Dessert with Fresh Strawberries

DifficultyMedium

Servings12 slices

Prep time30 minutes

Cook time1 hour

Total time1 hour30 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted)
• Pinch salt

For the cheesecake filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the strawberry topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, (sliced)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Let’s Get Cooking!

Instructions:

• 1

  Prepare the crust:

  • • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated in the butter and the mixture is slightly crumbly.
    • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s packed tightly.
    • Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
• 2

  Make the cheesecake filling:

  • • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
    • Add the vanilla extract and flour, and beat until fully combined.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
    • Gradually pour in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
• 3

  Bake the cheesecake:

  • • Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
    • Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
    • Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
    • After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
• 4

  Prepare the strawberry topping:

  • • In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices, creating a syrup-like consistency.
    • Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
• 5

  Assemble the cheesecake:

  • • Once the cheesecake has cooled, pour the strawberry topping evenly over the top.
    • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set.
• 6

  Serve:

  • • Before serving, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice into 12 pieces and enjoy!

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Electric mixer
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Recipe Notes & Variations:

• Crust Options:
  • You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafer cookies or even Oreos for a different flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

• Cheesecake Filling:
  • For an extra creamy texture, replace some of the sour cream with mascarpone cheese.
  • For a tangier cheesecake, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Strawberry Topping Variations:
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries while cooking for a more complex flavor.
  • You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available, but be sure to thaw and drain them first.
  • Experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to create a mixed berry topping.

• Serving Tips:
  • For an added touch, top the cheesecake with whipped cream or a few fresh mint leaves for color and flavor.
  • Pair it with a glass of dessert wine or a rich coffee for an indulgent dessert experience.

Nutrition

Calories	380
Carbohydrates	42g
Cholesterol	100mg
Fat	24g
Fiber	1g
Protein	5g
Saturated Fat	14g
Sodium	215mg
Sugar	30g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	6g

The Art of Making Strawberry Cheesecake

Creating a perfect strawberry cheesecake requires a balance of flavors and textures. The creamy filling must be smooth and rich, while the crust should provide just the right amount of crunch to contrast with the filling’s softness. The fresh strawberry topping adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color, making this dessert a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

An Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

This strawberry cheesecake recipe is broken down into three parts: the crust, the cheesecake filling, and the strawberry topping. The graham cracker crust is a perfect base, offering a simple yet flavorful foundation. The cheesecake filling is made with cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream, resulting in a velvety texture. Finally, the strawberry topping provides a burst of fresh, juicy strawberries, elevating the flavor profile to new heights.

What Occasions is It Good For?

This strawberry cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, birthday party, or simply a sweet treat after dinner. It’s an elegant and comforting dessert that’s sure to impress guests and family alike. Its versatility also makes it a great dessert for spring and summer celebrations when fresh strawberries are in season.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about the combination of strawberries and cheesecake. The smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake filling pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy
strawberries. Plus, this recipe is easy to make yet yields a showstopping result. The balance of flavors makes it ideal for anyone who loves a fruity, creamy dessert.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you know all about the history and artistry behind this delicious dessert, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this strawberry cheesecake recipe is approachable, and the results will surely be worth it.