Introduction
Strawberry Cheesecake is a timeless dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a special treat.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: About 5–6 hours
🧰 Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat gives the creamiest texture.
- Strawberries: Fresh is best; frozen can be used if thawed.
- Sour Cream & Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool.
- Make Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
- Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
- Bake Cheesecake
- Pour filling over cooled crust.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened. Cool.
- Assemble
- Pour topping over chilled cheesecake before serving.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sugar: 30 g
💡 Tips
- Run a knife around the pan before removing the springform for clean edges.
- Avoid overmixing eggs to prevent cracks.
- Chill fully for best texture and flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Mixed Berry: Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add a chocolate ganache layer before topping with strawberries.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for single servings.
- No-Bake Version: Combine cream cheese, whipped cream, and gelatin; chill until set.
