Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake

Introduction

I first tried making this Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake when I was looking for something that combined the richness of a cheesecake with the fresh and vibrant flavors of strawberries. The result was nothing short of amazing. The creamy, smooth cheesecake filling paired with the crunchy, sweet strawberry topping is a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. My family absolutely loved it, and it quickly became one of our favorite go-to desserts for special occasions. The best part is that it’s not too difficult to make, and the layers of flavors and textures—from the buttery Oreo crust to the sweet strawberry crunch topping—make each bite a delightful experience. If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your guests, look no further. This Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups golden Oreos, crushed (about 24 cookies)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• 4 large eggs

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups golden Oreos, crushed
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup strawberry sauce
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed golden Oreos with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to press the crumbs down evenly to form a firm base.
4. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, and mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth and lump-free.
4. Once the filling is smooth, pour it over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent water from leaking in during the baking process.
2. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water to create a water bath.
3. Bake the cheesecake for 70–80 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan.
4. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door cracked open for 1 hour. This helps to prevent cracking by gradually cooling the cheesecake.
5. After the hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.

Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine the crushed golden Oreos with the freeze-dried strawberries and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and evenly mixed.
2. Gently press the strawberry crunch mixture over the top of the chilled cheesecake.

Add Toppings:

1. Drizzle the cheesecake with strawberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired, to add a light, creamy touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. This dessert is rich, creamy, and packed with strawberry goodness—perfect for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 80 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes + chilling (6 hours or overnight)
• Yield: 12 servings

How to Serve

• As a Showstopper Dessert: Serve this cheesecake as the centerpiece of a holiday or special occasion meal. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation will impress your guests.
• For a Sweet Treat: Enjoy a slice as a sweet snack or dessert after a hearty meal.
• For Afternoon Tea: Pair a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• At Parties: This cheesecake is perfect for parties and potlucks. Its combination of textures and flavors will surely be a hit.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
2. Don’t Overmix the Eggs: When adding the eggs to the cheesecake filling, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can cause the filling to become too airy, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
3. Use Fresh Strawberry Puree: If possible, use fresh strawberries to make your puree. The flavor will be more vibrant compared to store-bought strawberry puree.
4. Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cheesecake as it bakes. The center should still be slightly jiggly when done, as it will firm up while cooling in the fridge.
5. Freeze the Cheesecake for Easier Slicing: If you want to make slicing easier, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight or freeze it for a couple of hours before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake: For a chocolatey twist, add some cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling or use a chocolate cookie crust. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added richness.
• Peach Krunch Cheesecake: Swap out the strawberries for peaches or a peach puree for a summery variation of this dessert.
• Nutty Krunch Cheesecake: Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve slices of cheesecake with additional fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, to enhance the fruity flavor.
• With Ice Cream: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert combination.
• With Hot Chocolate: This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chocolate, making it a perfect dessert for winter gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Cheesecake: This cheesecake freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time. Once fully set and chilled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover cheesecake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
   Yes, you can use graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even chocolate chip cookies for the crust if you prefer a different flavor.
2. How do I make strawberry puree?
   To make strawberry puree, blend fresh or frozen strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can sweeten it slightly with sugar if needed.
3. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
   Yes, you can use a regular pie dish or any round baking pan. Just be sure to line the pan with parchment paper if you want to make it easier to remove.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones for the topping?
   It’s best to use freeze-dried strawberries for the topping, as they create a crisp, crunchy texture. If you use frozen strawberries, they will not provide the same crunch.
5. Can I add more sugar to the cheesecake filling?
   Yes, you can increase the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling if you prefer a sweeter taste, but be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the texture.
6. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes, this cheesecake is ideal for making ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
7. How can I avoid cracks in the cheesecake?
   To prevent cracks, make sure not to overmix the eggs, avoid overbaking, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven after baking.
8. Can I use a different topping?
   Yes, feel free to get creative with the topping. You can use other fruits, chocolate ganache, or a caramel drizzle.
9. **What if my cheesecake is too runny?

**
If your cheesecake is too runny, it may not have set long enough in the refrigerator. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.

10. Can I use store-bought strawberry sauce?
    Yes, store-bought strawberry sauce can be used, but homemade sauce will add a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a combination of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy, sweet topping. With its delicious golden Oreo crust, smooth and tangy cheesecake filling, and strawberry crunch topping, this dessert is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake will always be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy with every bite!

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