Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds: a smooth, velvety cheesecake with the bright, sweet flavors of strawberries, all on top of a crispy, buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something indulgent. The contrast of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup melted butter

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for added shine)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool.

  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.

  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

  5. Add the strawberry puree to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

  6. In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with powdered sugar. Pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake. Optionally, you can warm the strawberry jam and drizzle it on top for extra shine.

  7. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.

  8. Once set, slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 8-10

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 10 minutes

  • Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight

Variations

  • Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: Add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey twist, or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.

  • Berry Mix Cheesecake: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant, colorful twist.

  • No-Bake Option: If you prefer not to bake, chill the graham cracker crust for 30 minutes before adding the filling and then refrigerate the entire cheesecake overnight to set.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If you’ve frozen it, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

How long does this cheesecake need to set in the fridge?

The cheesecake should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before making the puree and topping.

How do I prevent the crust from being too soggy?

Be sure to bake the crust until golden and let it cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is ideal for making ahead! Prepare it a day or two before your event for maximum flavor and convenience.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crust for a cookie crust, such as Oreo or digestive biscuit crumbs, for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to use powdered sugar in the strawberry topping?

The powdered sugar helps to sweeten and thicken the strawberry topping, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet option.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free graham crackers, this cheesecake can be made gluten-free. Just make sure to check all ingredients for gluten content.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a store-bought strawberry topping?

Yes, you can use a store-bought strawberry topping or jam if you prefer a quicker option. Just drizzle it over the cheesecake before serving.

What can I serve this cheesecake with?

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also add extra fresh berries on the side for more fruity goodness.

Conclusion

This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is an irresistible dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the crunch of a buttery crust. It’s perfect for any celebration or simply to enjoy as a treat. With its balance of flavors and textures, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you make it ahead or whip it up fresh, it promises to deliver a delightful and satisfying dessert experience every time.

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Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes or overnight
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake combines the best of both worlds: a smooth, velvety cheesecake with the bright, sweet flavors of strawberries, all on top of a crispy, buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something indulgent. The contrast of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup melted butter

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for added shine)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool.

  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated.

  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

  5. Add the strawberry puree to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

  6. In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with powdered sugar. Pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake. Optionally, you can warm the strawberry jam and drizzle it on top for extra shine.

  7. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.

  8. Once set, slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 8-10

  • Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Cook time: 10 minutes

  • Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight

Variations

  • Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: Add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolatey twist, or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.

  • Berry Mix Cheesecake: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant, colorful twist.

  • No-Bake Option: If you prefer not to bake, chill the graham cracker crust for 30 minutes before adding the filling and then refrigerate the entire cheesecake overnight to set.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If you’ve frozen it, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

How long does this cheesecake need to set in the fridge?

The cheesecake should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before making the puree and topping.

How do I prevent the crust from being too soggy?

Be sure to bake the crust until golden and let it cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is ideal for making ahead! Prepare it a day or two before your event for maximum flavor and convenience.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! You can swap the graham cracker crust for a cookie crust, such as Oreo or digestive biscuit crumbs, for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to use powdered sugar in the strawberry topping?

The powdered sugar helps to sweeten and thicken the strawberry topping, but you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet option.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free graham crackers, this cheesecake can be made gluten-free. Just make sure to check all ingredients for gluten content.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a store-bought strawberry topping?

Yes, you can use a store-bought strawberry topping or jam if you prefer a quicker option. Just drizzle it over the cheesecake before serving.

What can I serve this cheesecake with?

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also add extra fresh berries on the side for more fruity goodness.

Conclusion

This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is an irresistible dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of cheesecake, and the crunch of a buttery crust. It’s perfect for any celebration or simply to enjoy as a treat. With its balance of flavors and textures, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you make it ahead or whip it up fresh, it promises to deliver a delightful and satisfying dessert experience every time.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup strawberries, chopped

2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional, for added shine)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool.

  2. Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

  3. Combine with strawberry puree: Stir in the strawberry puree until fully blended, then pour over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

  4. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix chopped strawberries with powdered sugar. Pour this topping over the cheesecake, optionally drizzling with strawberry jam for extra shine.

  5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set.

  6. Serve: Once set, slice and serve chilled.

Notes

  1. If you prefer a chocolate twist, try adding cocoa powder to the crust or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
  2. Swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful variety.
  3. For a no-bake option, chill the crust for 30 minutes before adding the filling and refrigerate overnight.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking and Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

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