Creamy Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Creamy Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a luscious dessert featuring a smooth, velvety cheesecake base infused with fresh strawberries and topped with a delightful crunchy layer. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe balances rich cream cheese, juicy strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust with a satisfying crunch for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 8-10 minutes baking the crust for extra crunch)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with optional crust baking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 16 oz (450 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Crunchy Topping
- 1/4 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries or candied nuts or toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a crunchy base. Chill it in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to ensure it sets well.
- Make the Creamy Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually fold in the whipped heavy cream and vanilla extract to create a light, fluffy texture.
- Fold in Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold chopped fresh strawberries into the cheesecake batter, distributing the fruit evenly without breaking it down, so every bite has a juicy burst of flavor.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the cheesecake set firmly.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Just before serving, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping—such as crushed freeze-dried strawberries, candied nuts, or toasted coconut flakes—over the cheesecake to provide signature crunchiness.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and heavy cream are at room temperature for the smoothest batter without lumps.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep the filling airy and prevent it from becoming dense.
- Allow enough refrigeration time for the cheesecake to firm up and develop fuller flavors.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best texture and natural sweetness.
- Experiment with different crunchy toppings to find your favorite combination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, no bake cheesecake, crunchy topping, dessert, easy cheesecake, berry dessert, summer dessert
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-strawberry-crunch-cheesecake/
