Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, and it’s surprisingly easy to make—especially if you go for a no-bake version!

Here’s a recipe for a Strawberry Cheesecake that’s rich, creamy, and topped with a fresh strawberry sauce:

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy cream (or whipped topping)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

For the Strawberry Topping:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter together until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or pie dish) to form a firm, even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until soft peaks form. You can also use store-bought whipped topping if you prefer.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and combined. If you like a slightly tangy flavor, add the lemon juice and mix well.
Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Refrigerate:

Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and set properly.

4. Make the Strawberry Topping:

In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices (about 5 minutes).
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then add it to the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. If you want a smoother topping, you can blend the mixture for a smoother texture, or keep it chunky for more texture.

5. Assemble the Cheesecake:

Once the cheesecake has set, spoon the strawberry topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
Garnish with additional whole strawberries or mint leaves for a fresh look if desired.

6. Serve:

Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife (to get cleaner cuts) and serve chilled.
Enjoy your creamy Strawberry Cheesecake!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake:

For a smoother crust: You can use a food processor to crush the graham crackers, or buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs to save time.
No-bake version: If you prefer a no-bake cheesecake, you can omit the baking step for the crust and just refrigerate it, or set the cheesecake in the fridge for an even firmer texture.
Make ahead: This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Fruit topping variations: You can swap the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries for a different twist.

Why This Strawberry Cheesecake is So Great:

Creamy and Rich: The cream cheese filling is velvety smooth, and the whipped cream adds a lightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness.
Sweet and Tangy: The sweet strawberry topping balances beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling.
Versatile: You can easily customize the topping, crust, or add-ins to suit your tastes!

Enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake—it’s a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s always a hit!