Strawberry Cheesecake is a classic dessert loved for its creamy texture, buttery graham cracker crust, and sweet strawberry topping. This Strawberry Cheesecake recipe combines a rich baked cheesecake filling with a homemade strawberry sauce made from fresh strawberries. The result is a beautifully balanced dessert that is both creamy and fruity. Cheesecake is often served at celebrations and special occasions, but this recipe makes it easy to prepare at home. The filling is smooth and rich thanks to cream cheese and sour cream, while the fresh strawberry topping adds brightness and sweetness. Whether you are making dessert for a family gathering or a holiday dinner, this Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake
This recipe includes three components: the graham cracker crust, the cheesecake filling, and the strawberry topping.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 2 cups | About two sleeves |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | For crust |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons | Melted |
| Cream cheese | 32 ounces | Room temperature |
| Sugar | 1⅓ cups | Filling sweetness |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Creamy texture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | Flavor |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Balance |
| Eggs | 4 large | Lightly beaten |
| Strawberries | 16 ounces | For sauce |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Thickens topping |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Sauce |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Flavor |
| Salt | ⅛ teaspoon | Balance |
| Strawberries | 2 cups | Finely chopped |
Why a Water Bath Helps Cheesecake
Baking cheesecake in a water bath helps maintain gentle heat around the pan, which prevents cracks and creates a smooth texture.
Ingredient Tips
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Move the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Springform Pan
Wrap the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan tightly with aluminum foil.
3. Make the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
4. Form the Crust
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and about two inches up the sides of the pan.
5. Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for about 10 minutes and allow it to cool.
6. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.
7. Beat the Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Add Sugar and Sour Cream
Mix in sugar and sour cream until fully combined.
9. Add Vanilla and Salt
Add vanilla extract and salt and mix on low speed.
10. Add Eggs
Gently fold in the eggs until just combined.
11. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the crust. Place the cheesecake in a roasting pan filled with boiling water and bake for about 1 hour until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
12. Cool in the Oven
Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest in the water bath for another hour.
13. Chill the Cheesecake
Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours.
14. Make the Strawberry Sauce
Blend diced strawberries with cornstarch until smooth.
15. Cook the Sauce
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan with sugar and cook until thickened.
16. Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped strawberries.
17. Assemble the Cheesecake
Spread the strawberry topping over the cheesecake before serving.
Helpful Baking Tips
• Always use room temperature ingredients.
• Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter.
• Use a water bath to prevent cracks.
• Chill the cheesecake fully before slicing.
• Use fresh strawberries for the best topping flavor.
Serving, Storing, and Making Ahead
Serving Ideas
Serve strawberry cheesecake chilled with extra strawberry sauce or whipped cream.
Storage
Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
Cheesecake can be frozen without the topping for up to two months.
Make Ahead
Cheesecake tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with fresh strawberry topping. The buttery graham cracker crust, rich filling, and fruity sauce create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This homemade strawberry cheesecake recipe is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any special dessert occasion.
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Strawberry Cheesecake – Easy Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hr
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
Classic strawberry cheesecake made with creamy baked cheesecake filling, graham cracker crust, and homemade strawberry topping.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
32 ounces cream cheese
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
16 ounces strawberries
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped strawberries
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter.
3. Press mixture into springform pan and bake crust.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add sugar and sour cream.
6. Mix in vanilla and salt.
7. Fold in eggs.
8. Pour filling over crust.
9. Bake cheesecake in water bath.
10. Cool in oven then refrigerate.
11. Blend strawberries with cornstarch.
12. Cook mixture with sugar until thick.
13. Add vanilla salt and chopped strawberries.
14. Top cheesecake with strawberry sauce before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese.
Bake cheesecake in water bath to prevent cracks.
Chill cheesecake overnight for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cheesecake crack?
Overmixing the batter or baking without a water bath can cause cracks.
Can frozen strawberries be used?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide better flavor.
How long should cheesecake chill before serving?
At least four hours, but overnight is best.
What pan is best for cheesecake?
A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake.