The Creamiest Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe 🍓🍰
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 12
Introduction:
Is there anything more decadent than a smooth, creamy cheesecake topped with fresh, juicy strawberries? This Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just treating yourself on a cozy weekend.
With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and velvety cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the freshness of strawberries adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
So, let’s dive into this irresistible dessert that’s easier to make than you might think, yet looks like it came straight from a bakery!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 packages)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Decadently Creamy: The filling is lusciously smooth, thanks to a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and just the right amount of eggs.
- Fresh Strawberry Topping: Nothing beats the taste of real strawberries in the topping. It’s light, refreshing, and complements the richness of the cheesecake perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is the kind of dessert that turns heads and gets rave reviews at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Cheesecakes need time to chill, so it’s a great dessert to make the day before, saving you stress on the day of your event.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the vanilla extract and mix in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and flour, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can introduce too much air into the batter.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the cheesecake cool slowly inside for about an hour. This helps prevent cracks on the surface.
4. Chill the Cheesecake
After it’s cooled to room temperature, transfer the cheesecake to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake is chilling, make the strawberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries release their juices. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
6. Add the Topping and Serve
Once the cheesecake has chilled, pour the cooled strawberry topping over the top, spreading it out to cover the surface evenly. Slice, serve, and enjoy this sweet, creamy, and tangy dessert!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Prevent Cracking: To prevent cracks on top, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open.
- Use a Springform Pan: Cheesecakes are best made in a springform pan, as it allows for easy release and gives your cheesecake that perfect, professional look.
- Strain the Topping: If you prefer a smoother topping, you can strain the cooked strawberries to remove the seeds before thickening it with cornstarch.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before making the topping.
How long will the cheesecake last?
This cheesecake can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I make this cheesecake without a water bath?
While a water bath can help prevent cracking, this recipe is designed to avoid cracks without one by cooling it slowly in the oven. However, if you prefer, you can use a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with a couple of inches of water.
Customization Ideas:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: Drizzle the top with melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free cheesecake!
- Berry Medley: Mix things up by adding a variety of berries to the topping, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Why This Strawberry Cheesecake is the Best:
This cheesecake is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy and rich filling, and the sweet-tangy brightness of fresh strawberry topping. The secret to its success is simple—quality ingredients, easy steps, and a few baking techniques that will help you achieve that bakery-level smoothness at home. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge in a decadent dessert, this Strawberry Cheesecake is a guaranteed hit!