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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a luscious dessert combining creamy cheesecake filling with a crispy graham cracker crust and a fresh, sweet strawberry topping. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and vibrant fruity flavor, making it ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream or sour cream

Strawberry Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional crunchy toppings: toasted almonds, crushed cookies or extra graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the base of a springform pan. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and crunchy. Remove and let cool.
  2. Make the Creamy Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Fold in the vanilla extract and whipping cream or sour cream until the batter is silky and thick.
  3. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan in a water bath by wrapping the bottom in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for 1 hour.
  4. Add the Strawberry Crunch Topping: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Spread this mixture evenly over the cheesecake surface. Sprinkle with your choice of crunchy toppings such as toasted almonds or crushed cookies for added texture.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the completed cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up to the perfect creamy yet firm consistency.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Baking in a water bath helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake silky textured.
  • Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best topping flavor and appearance.
  • Mix the batter just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which may cause cracks.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill properly to balance creaminess and firmness.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, crunchy cheesecake, creamy dessert, gluten-free dessert, berry cheesecake, summer dessert

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/strawberry-crunch-cheesecake/