Description
A rich and creamy cheesecake layered with a vibrant strawberry swirl, baked to perfection with a buttery graham cracker crust. This dessert is smooth, tangy, and beautifully marbled for an impressive finish.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces whole strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Puree strawberries until smooth.
- Cook puree with sugar and lemon juice over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes.
- Mix cold water and cornstarch, then whisk into puree. Cook until thickened. Strain and cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan and wrap with foil.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool.
- Reduce oven to 325°F. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla just until combined.
- Layer one-third of batter over crust. Add dollops of strawberry puree.
- Add another layer of batter, more puree, then final batter layer.
- Top with remaining puree and swirl gently with a skewer.
- Place pan in a water bath and bake for 1 hour 40–45 minutes, covering near the end if needed.
- Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake sit for 1 hour.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Remove from pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix to avoid air bubbles and cracking.
- Water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking.
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Serve with extra strawberry sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
