Dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible, this strawberry cheesecake recipe promises a dessert that melts in your mouth.

Decadent layers of velvety cream cheese dance with vibrant, fresh strawberries to create a truly spectacular treat.

The silky smooth filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust brings together classic flavors that sing with each delightful bite.

Summer berries add a burst of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, tangy cheesecake base.

No bakery can match the love and care you’ll pour into this homemade masterpiece.

Every slice tells a story of comfort and indulgence, with ripe strawberries lending their bright, juicy charm.

Grab your mixing bowl and whisk, because this dessert is about to become your new favorite celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 457 kcal

Servings: 9

Strawberry Cheesecake: All Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, buttery base that adds delightful crunch and sweetness to the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps bind the crumbs together.
• Melted Butter: Acts as a crucial binding agent, creating a cohesive and firm crust that holds its shape.

• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the rich, smooth, and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese and adds perfect sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a subtle brightness and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the filling and prevents cracking during baking.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra tang and contributes to the silky, luxurious texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling together, creating a smooth consistency.

• Strawberries: Fresh, vibrant fruit that adds natural sweetness and beautiful color to the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Helps draw out the strawberries' natural juices and intensifies their flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the strawberries' brightness and prevents browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and creates a glossy, perfect topping consistency.
• Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth sauce.

Equipment for Making a Smooth Strawberry Cheesecake

• Springform pan: 9-inch size for perfect cheesecake shape.
• Aluminum foil: Wrapping the pan's exterior to prevent water leaks.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining cream cheese and other filling ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Essential for creating smooth, creamy cheesecake batter.
• Roasting pan: Large enough to hold the springform pan for water bath baking.
• Medium saucepan: For preparing strawberry topping.
• Sharp knife: Helps release cheesecake edges and slice servings cleanly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Small bowl: For mixing cornstarch mixture.
• Cutting board: For slicing strawberries.

Strawberry Cheesecake Instructions for Success

• Cheesecake Base

Create a crumbly foundation using graham crackers and butter. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, forming a solid crust that will hold your dreamy dessert.

• Creamy Filling Preparation

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, mixing in eggs and sour cream. The key is gentle mixing to keep the texture light and airy.

• Water Bath Baking

Place the cheesecake in a larger pan filled with hot water. This magical technique ensures a perfectly creamy texture without cracks, creating a professional-level dessert.

• Cooling and Setting

Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours. Patience transforms your creation into a luscious, firm treat.

• Strawberry Crown

Cook fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar and lemon, creating a vibrant, glossy topping that adds a burst of brightness to your decadent dessert.

• Final Presentation

Carefully remove the pan’s outer ring and drizzle the strawberry sauce over the cheesecake. Slice with a sharp knife for picture-perfect servings that will impress everyone at the table.

Strawberry Swaps and Crust Options

• Wrap the springform pan tightly with foil and use a water bath to create a humid environment, which helps prevent unsightly cracks in your cheesecake.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Experiment with adding orange zest, vanilla bean seeds, or a splash of Grand Marnier to the cheesecake filling for an extra layer of complexity and depth.
• Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party preparation stress-free.
• Replace strawberry topping with other fruit compotes like blueberry, raspberry, or create a chocolate ganache drizzle for a completely different dessert experience.

Cheesecake Serving Styles for Any Occasion

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top to add a refreshing, bright green contrast to the vibrant red strawberry topping.
• Pair with Sweet Beverage: Serve alongside a chilled glass of moscato or a light strawberry smoothie to complement the creamy cheesecake.
• Create Individual Portions: Use a decorative dessert plate and garnish each slice with an extra strawberry and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Add Textural Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or crushed graham cracker crumbs around the plate's edge to provide a delightful crispy element to the smooth cheesecake.

Refrigeration Plan for Cheesecake Leftovers

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the strawberry cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its delicious texture and flavor intact.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 1 month without losing its creamy consistency.
• Thaw Carefully: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its original smooth texture and taste.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving, letting it sit at room temperature to enhance its rich, velvety flavor profile.

Velvety Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy New York-style strawberry cheesecake delivers rich, silky layers of indulgence. Homemade graham cracker crust and fresh strawberry topping complete this classic dessert experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) full-fat cream cheese, brick style
• 1 lb (454 g) strawberries, weighed before coring & slicing
• 2 ½ cups (313 g) graham crumbs
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream, 14% MF
• 10 tbsps (142 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps (38 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch, AKA corn flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• hot water, for the water bath

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until mixture resembles moist sand. Press firmly into a foil-wrapped 9-inch springform pan, covering base and sides halfway.
2. Crust Baking: Toast crust in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 minutes, maintaining temperature after removal.
3. Cheesecake Batter: Whip cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth. Gently fold in lemon juice, cornstarch, sour cream, and eggs, minimizing mixing to prevent overbeating.
4. Water Bath Setup: Position foil-wrapped pan inside a large roasting pan. Pour batter evenly, smoothing the surface. Fill roasting pan with hot water, reaching 1 inch up springform pan’s sides.
5. Baking Process: Bake 50-65 minutes until cheesecake appears just set with a subtle jiggle. Carefully run a thin knife around edges to prevent sticking.
6. Cooling Technique: Allow cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then refrigerate covered for 6 hours.
7. Strawberry Topping: Simmer sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Dissolve cornstarch in water, add to mixture, and cook 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Serving Presentation: Remove springform pan’s outer ring, transfer to serving plate. Drizzle strawberry topping over cheesecake or serve individually. Slice with a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Bake cheesecake in water bath to create gentle, even heat and reduce surface cracks during cooking.
• Smooth Mixing Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure no lumps, using low speed and scraping bowl sides frequently.
• Crust Compression Matters: Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable base that won’t crumble when serving.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause surface damage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 307 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg