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:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups heavy cream (or whipped topping)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For the Strawberry Topping:
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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.
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Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or pie dish) to form a firm, even layer.
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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:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined and smooth.
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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.
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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.
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Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Refrigerate:
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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:
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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).
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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.
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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:
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Once the cheesecake has set, spoon the strawberry topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
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Garnish with additional whole strawberries or mint leaves for a fresh look if desired.
6. Serve:
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Slice the cheesecake with a warm knife (to get cleaner cuts) and serve chilled.
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Enjoy your creamy Strawberry Cheesecake!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake:
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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.
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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.
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Make ahead: This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
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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:
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Creamy and Rich: The cream cheese filling is velvety smooth, and the whipped cream adds a lightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness.
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Sweet and Tangy: The sweet strawberry topping balances beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling.
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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!