This delectable Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more! It boasts a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, a delightful sweet and tangy sour cream topping, and is perfectly finished with a fresh and luscious strawberry sauce.
As the spring season arrives, the anticipation for fresh strawberries grows stronger. These vibrant berries not only emit a heavenly aroma but also add the perfect touch to a classic strawberry cheesecake. To simplify the process of slicing strawberries for the topping, I highly recommend using a handy strawberry slicer that makes the task effortless.
Before we proceed, let me clarify one crucial detail about this recipe: it is a Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping, not to be confused with a strawberry cheesecake that incorporates strawberries into the filling.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake:
Graham Cracker Crumbs – For a quick shortcut, you can grab pre-packaged graham cracker crumbs available in the baking aisle. Alternatively, you can make your own crumbs by placing graham crackers in a plastic bag and crushing them using a rolling pin or a food processor.
Butter – I always prefer using unsalted butter when baking to have better control over the salt content. Salted butter tends to have a higher water ratio, which can affect the outcome of the cheesecake.
Cream Cheese – Opt for high-quality, full-fat cream cheese in block form. It is crucial to let the cream cheese reach room temperature before incorporating it into the cheesecake filling.
Granulated Sugar – Superfine granulated sugar is my preferred choice, but regular granulated sugar works just as well.
Confectioners’ Sugar – This is essential, especially when regular granulated sugar could leave the recipe with a grainy texture, such as in our sour cream cheesecake topping.
Sour Cream – Always use full-fat sour cream to achieve a light and creamy texture in the cheesecake filling.
Vanilla Extract – I recommend using a high-quality pure vanilla extract, such as McCormick, as it imparts the best flavor to the recipe.
Eggs – It is easier to incorporate room temperature eggs into the cheesecake filling, so be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before use.
Strawberries – Select fresh and ripe strawberries for the strawberry topping.
Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake:
To create the ultimate strawberry cheesecake recipe, you must first prepare the graham cracker crust.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until well-combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and extends two-thirds up the sides. Bake the crust for approximately 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
Next, let’s move on to the cheesecake filling.
- Start by beating the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This step ensures there are no lumps in the cheesecake.
- Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the cream cheese. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure thorough incorporation of the cream cheese, helping to avoid lumps once the other ingredients are added.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well-blended.
- Finally, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the batter is evenly mixed, taking care not to overmix.
To prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the sides of the pan, it’s important to take a few extra steps.
- Spray the sides of the springform pan with cooking spray or line it with a strip of parchment paper.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the baked graham cracker crust, ensuring it is evenly spread.
Now, let’s prepare the delectable strawberry topping for the cheesecake.
- Slice approximately 1 pound or roughly 2 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries. If you have a strawberry slicer, it’s a convenient tool to create perfect slices. However, a sharp pairing knife will do the job just as well.
- Set aside a portion of the sliced strawberries to be added back into the strawberry sauce later. Place the remaining strawberry slices in a saucepan along with some granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and the sugar dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the reserved fresh strawberry slices.
- Transfer the strawberry topping into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
To store the strawberry cheesecake:
This delightful dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious for an extended period.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake:
CRUST:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
FILLING:
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups superfine granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
TOPPING:
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
STRAWBERRY SAUCE:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced and divided
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions for Making Strawberry Cheesecake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a large pan filled with 1 inch of water in the oven.
CRUST:
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Ensure that all the graham crackers are coated with butter, creating a coarse sand-like consistency.
Press the crust mixture onto the bottom and about two-thirds up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Wrap two pieces of heavy-duty tin foil around the bottom and sides of the pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes or until the edges of the crust turn golden. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool.
FILLING:
Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Beat in the superfine granulated sugar, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl for thorough mixing.
Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
TOPPING:
Combine the sour cream and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl. Spread this mixture over the top of the cheesecake, covering it completely.
Cover the cheesecake with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
STRAWBERRY TOPPING:
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of sliced strawberries and granulated sugar.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil.
Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and a syrupy consistency forms.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the remaining sliced strawberries.
Transfer the strawberry topping to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Chill the strawberry topping in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to enhance the flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
Once the cheesecake has chilled for the recommended time, remove it from the refrigerator.
Carefully release the sides of the springform pan and remove them.
Transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter or cake stand.
Spoon the chilled strawberry topping over the surface of the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
Slice the strawberry cheesecake into desired portions and serve.
Store Properly:
Any remaining cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and tangy strawberry topping with this irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake recipe. It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate the spring season or any special occasion. Enjoy the luscious flavors and share the joy with your loved ones!
