Description
Creamy strawberry crunch cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its luscious layers of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberry swirls. Crisp graham cracker base and crunchy berry topping promise a delectable journey that will satisfy your most indulgent cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Berry and Crunch Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the sides.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground, then mix with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Gently fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the filling is completely uniform and glossy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to eliminate any air pockets.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, combine crushed vanilla wafers, almonds, and white chocolate chips to create a crunchy topping.
- Arrange fresh sliced strawberries over the chilled cheesecake and drizzle with strawberry jam.
- Sprinkle the prepared crunchy mixture evenly over the strawberries for added texture.
- Dust the entire surface with powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate, elegant finish.
Notes
- Chill ingredients like cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
- Use a water bath method during baking to create even, gentle heat and prevent surface cracking on the cheesecake.
- Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for dietary restrictions.
- Modify the topping by using dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan cream cheese to make the recipe completely plant-based.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg