Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Easy Sweet Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Sweet strawberry cheesecake whispers summer memories of backyard gatherings and lazy afternoons.

Creamy textures blend with vibrant fruit in this classic dessert.

Every slice promises pure indulgence and nostalgic comfort.

Delicate strawberries dance across smooth cream cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe shine with simplicity and elegance.

Chilled and decadent, each bite transports you to a moment of pure culinary bliss.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible treat.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cooking List

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a sturdy and sweet foundation with rich, buttery flavor. Best when using fresh, crisp crackers.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind ingredients. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
  • Butter: Melted butter creates a rich, golden-brown crust that holds together well. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture. Room temperature cream cheese blends most smoothly.
  • Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness throughout the filling. Granulated white sugar dissolves easily.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor to complement the cream cheese. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure. Large eggs work best at room temperature.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creamy richness to the filling. Full-fat sour cream provides the best flavor and texture.
Strawberry Topping Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Bright, sweet fruit topping that adds color and fresh flavor. Choose ripe, deep red berries without bruises.
  • Sugar: Helps create syrupy consistency and enhances strawberry sweetness. Granulated white sugar recommended.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance sweetness. Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry sauce for a perfect glossy consistency. Mix with water to prevent lumps.

Strawberry Cheesecake Simple Prep

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Base

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine, sandy crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until they stick together like a delicious puzzle.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake masterpiece.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab your electric mixer and beat the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla, continuing to blend until the mixture is velvety and free of lumps.

Gently incorporate eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Softly fold in the sour cream, creating a luxurious and dreamy filling.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious filling over your prepared crust.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center has a slight jiggle but looks set.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours to firm up.

Step 4: Create the Fruity Topping

In a saucepan, combine:
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch mixture.

Allow the topping to cool completely.

Once chilled, spread the vibrant strawberry sauce over the top of your cheesecake.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your beautifully crafted strawberry cheesecake.

Watch as your friends and family marvel at your culinary skills!

Strawberry Cheesecake – How To Get That Smooth Creamy Finish

  • Mix graham cracker crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and sugar to ensure a compact, sturdy base that won't fall apart when slicing.
  • Bake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create humidity, preventing surface cracks and maintaining a smooth texture.
  • Simmer strawberry sauce slowly and stir consistently to achieve the perfect thickness without burning or making it too runny.
  • Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free texture that blends smoothly with other ingredients.
  • Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm yet creamy consistency.

Chill Strawberry Cheesecake For Future Cravings

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Slice cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freezes well for 1-2 months.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake slice to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to maintain texture and prevent watery consistency.
  • Enjoy cheesecake cold for best flavor. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Best Pairings for Strawberry Cheesecake

  • Pair Sparkling Rosé: Complement the creamy cheesecake with a light, bubbly rosé that enhances the strawberry's sweetness and cuts through the rich cream cheese.
  • Balance with Cold Brew Coffee: Offset the dessert's sweetness with a smooth, slightly bitter cold brew coffee that provides a refreshing contrast and cleanses the palate.
  • Serve with Fresh Mint Tea: Brew a delicate mint tea that adds a cool, herbal note which brightens the strawberry's flavor and aids digestion after the decadent cheesecake.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the cheesecake with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream for extra creaminess and a classic flavor combination that elevates the dessert.

Strawberry Cheesecake with Fresh Topping Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly crust that maintains the classic texture.
  • Vegan Cheesecake Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs to create a plant-based dessert that's creamy and satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh strawberries with minimal added sugar in the topping to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the dessert deliciously sweet.
  • No-Bake Cheesecake Variation: Skip the baking process by chilling the cream cheese mixture in the refrigerator for several hours, creating a lighter, cooler version perfect for warm summer days.

FAQs

  • Is graham cracker crust the only option?

You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or gingersnap cookies for a different flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to prevent watery topping.

  • How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize cracking.

  • What type of cream cheese is best?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, richest texture in your cheesecake.

Strawberry Cheesecake That’s Rich And Velvety

  • Quick-Win Dessert: Whip up this strawberry cheesecake in just a few simple steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a luxurious dessert that looks professionally made but is surprisingly easy to create at home, guaranteed to earn you compliments.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cheesecake in advance and let it chill for 4 hours, making it an ideal dessert for dinner parties, potlucks, or special celebrations where you want to reduce last-minute stress.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by using different fruit toppings or adding personal touches like chocolate drizzle or whipped cream to suit individual tastes and preferences.
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Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry cheesecake promises creamy indulgence with fresh berry elegance. Rich graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese blend perfectly for dessert lovers seeking delightful comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

Cream Cheese:

  • 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese

Eggs:

  • 3 large eggs

Strawberries:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters/12 ounces) fresh strawberries

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) melted butter

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Craft a buttery foundation by pulverizing graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan to create a compact, golden crust.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla essence, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Introduce eggs individually, gently folding each into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a silky texture without overmixing.
  4. Delicately fold sour cream into the batter, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency that promises a decadent dessert experience.
  5. Transfer the luscious filling atop the prepared crust, spreading evenly to eliminate any potential air pockets.
  6. Slide the pan into a preheated 325°F oven, allowing the cheesecake to bake for approximately 55-60 minutes until the center displays a gentle wobble while the edges appear set.
  7. Remove from the oven and permit the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, resisting the urge to disturb its delicate surface.
  8. Refrigerate the cooled cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing it to firm up and develop its signature dense, creamy texture.
  9. Prepare the strawberry topping by combining fresh strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  10. Reduce heat and simmer the strawberry compote, stirring occasionally until the fruit begins to break down and release its natural juices.
  11. Thicken the sauce by introducing a cornstarch slurry, stirring until the mixture reaches a glossy, jam-like consistency.
  12. Allow the strawberry topping to cool completely before generously spreading it over the chilled cheesecake, creating a vibrant, glistening finish.

Notes

  • Prevent cracks by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter and using room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth incorporation.
  • Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water during baking to maintain even temperature and prevent surface cracking.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with ground almond or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Cut clean cheesecake slices by wiping the knife with hot water between each cut, ensuring smooth and precise servings every time.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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