Description
Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a refreshing dessert combining creamy smooth cheesecake with vibrant fresh strawberries and a delightful crunchy graham cracker topping. Perfect for any occasion, this treat offers a balance of rich textures and sweet, fruity flavors that brighten up your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (extra for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a sturdy, crunchy base.
- Make the Creamy Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Then mix in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter is even and creamy.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries into the cheesecake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without being crushed to keep their freshness and flavor intact.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the pan. Sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs on top for extra crunch. Bake at 325°F (medium heat) until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, which ensures a silky smooth finish. This typically takes about 50-60 minutes.
- Refrigerate to Set: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up and develop deep flavors.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened cream cheese and eggs to ensure smooth blending and a perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Blend only until ingredients are combined to avoid incorporating air that can cause cracks.
- Check Freshness: Use the freshest strawberries available for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Bake in a Water Bath: For ultra-creamy texture, place the springform pan in a water bath during baking to prevent cracking and drying.
- Chill Properly: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for improved firmness and flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg