If there’s one dessert that knows how to steal the show, it’s Strawberry Cheesecake. With its buttery, crumbly crust, silky-smooth cheesecake filling, and a crown of luscious fresh strawberries, this classic dessert brings together everything you love in one spectacular bite. Sweet, slightly tart, and endlessly creamy, it’s the kind of showstopper you make when you want a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special dinner or just craving something decadent, this Strawberry Cheesecake is destined to be your new favorite treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake recipe lies in how a handful of simple ingredients magically transform into something extraordinary. Each element adds richness, depth, color, or a burst of fruity freshness, so be sure to use the best ingredients you can find!
- Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): These create the classic, crunch-worthy base that contrasts the creamy filling beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup for crust, 1 cup for filling): Split between the crust and filling, sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness in every layer.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Helps bind your crumb crust while adding richness and a melt-in-the-mouth finish.
- Cream cheese (3 (8-ounce) packages, softened): The undeniable star of the show, lush and creamy, provides the dreamy cheesecake texture.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake filling is ultra-smooth and velvety.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and gives an aromatic sweetness.
- Large eggs (3): They help the cheesecake set perfectly, slice neat, and stay rich but not heavy.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just a touch brightens everything up and intensifies the strawberry flavors.
- Fresh strawberries (1½ cups, sliced): For that juicy, fresh, and colorful topping everyone looks forward to.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (½ cup): Adds shine, extra berry flavor, and helps the sliced strawberries stay gorgeous on top.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Let’s start with the essential foundation. Combine your graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix them together until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to get into the edges for an even layer. Bake the crust at 325°F (163°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth (no lumps allowed!). Add in 1 cup sugar and keep mixing until the mixture is creamy. Next, blend in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice for a tangy, fresh balance. Last, add the eggs one at a time on a low speed—just until each egg disappears into the batter. Resist the urge to overmix; this helps keep your Strawberry Cheesecake extra creamy without unwanted cracks.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Pour your dreamy filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until just the center is slightly jiggly. Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the cheesecake gently cool inside for 1 hour—this gradual cool-down helps prevent any cracks from forming. Afterward, move the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling time is worth every second!
Step 4: The Strawberry Topping Finale
When you’re ready to serve, spread the strawberry preserves over the cold cheesecake. If you want an extra glossy look, you can gently heat the preserves before spreading—they’ll glide on like a dream. Carefully arrange the fresh strawberry slices on top in whatever pattern your heart desires. Suddenly, you have a Strawberry Cheesecake that is almost too pretty to slice (but we promise you’ll want to dive right in).
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake
Garnishes
The crowning touch for this Strawberry Cheesecake is all about playfulness and elegance. Aside from the signature strawberry slices, consider a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of fresh mint, or a few curls of white chocolate for a bit of drama. These simple garnishes take your cheesecake from beautiful to jaw-dropping with just a few extra seconds of effort.
Side Dishes
Since this Strawberry Cheesecake is the star, keep side dishes light and complementary. Think fresh berries on the side, a few delicate butter cookies, or a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing counterpoint. Coffee and tea pair beautifully, accentuating the creamy, tangy flavors of your dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
When it comes to presentation, have fun with it! Try serving individual slices on vibrant plates, or artfully drizzle a ribbon of extra strawberry sauce over each piece. Want to impress? Layer diced strawberries and cheesecake cubes in pretty glasses for a Strawberry Cheesecake parfait, or bake in mini jars for a charming picnic treat. There are no limits to how you can serve up this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Strawberry Cheesecake (lucky you), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where it will stay blissfully fresh for up to 4 days—though truthfully, it’s rare for leftovers to last that long!
Freezing
Want to enjoy Strawberry Cheesecake later? No problem. Slice the cheesecake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s typically no reheating required. If you do want a slightly softer texture, let a slice sit at room temp for 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying—just enough to take off the chill and make the flavors shine.
FAQs
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cheesecake cracks are usually caused by overbaking or sudden temperature changes. To minimize the risk, avoid overmixing the batter and let your Strawberry Cheesecake cool slowly in the oven before refrigerating. Don’t worry—any cracks can be easily hidden with that gorgeous strawberry topping!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and vibrant appearance, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from seeping onto the cheesecake.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version or use almond meal for the crust. Everything else in this Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan—it will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so start checking at the 50-minute mark just to be safe.
Can I prepare Strawberry Cheesecake in advance?
Yes, and in fact, it’s even better when made ahead! The flavors develop as it chills, so feel free to bake your Strawberry Cheesecake a day before your gathering and add the strawberry topping just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a dessert to make you feel like a star baker, this Strawberry Cheesecake is it! With every creamy, fruity, crunchy bite, you’ll fall in love all over again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it soon, and watch how quickly it becomes your most requested (and most devoured) dessert!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this classic Strawberry Cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and a sweet strawberry glaze. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Strawberry Topping:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry preserves or jam
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and bake.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice. Add eggs one at a time. Pour over crust and bake.
- Chill and Serve: Cool the cheesecake, then refrigerate. Top with strawberry preserves and fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- For a glossy finish, slightly heat the preserves before spreading.
- You can use homemade strawberry compote for a fruitier topping.
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