Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making this strawberry cheesecake recipe! The moment that creamy filling meets the crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s pure magic. I still remember the first time I made it; I was so nervous but excited, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. The sweet aroma filled the house, and as I pulled it out of the oven, I had my doubts – would it really taste as good as it looked? Well, trust me, it did! Each slice is a delightful combination of rich creaminess from the cream cheese and the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries. It’s the ultimate dessert that never fails to impress, whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten up your day!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
How to Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious strawberry cheesecake! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopper dessert that everyone will adore!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the melted butter. Mix until everything is well blended and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create a solid crust.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this—just make sure there are no lumps!
- Add the Eggs: Next, add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. This helps keep the filling creamy and avoids overmixing.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream. This adds an incredible creaminess to your cheesecake—don’t skip it!
- Pour and Bake: Pour this luscious filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It’ll firm up more as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, let your cheesecake cool at room temperature for about an hour before transferring it to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can resist!).
- Finish with Strawberries: Right before serving, top your cheesecake with sliced fresh strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam for that extra pop of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each slice of this delicious strawberry cheesecake recipe contains approximately 350 calories, with 22g of fat and 5g of protein. You’ll also find around 30g of carbohydrates and 25g of sugar per slice. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on the brands you use. So, enjoy every creamy, fruity bite while keeping in mind how delightful this treat can be!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Deliciously creamy filling paired with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
- Uses fresh strawberries for that vibrant, fruity flavor.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a slice!
- Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Tips for Success with Your Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
To make sure your strawberry cheesecake turns out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, always use room temperature cream cheese. It mixes in smoothly and helps avoid lumps—nobody wants that! Be patient with the cooling times; letting it chill in the fridge for at least four hours (or overnight!) makes it set beautifully. If you want to make it ahead of time, it holds up well in the fridge for up to three days. And if you’re worried about cracks on the surface, a water bath can help keep the oven humid while baking, leading to a smoother finish. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cheesecake
When it comes to enjoying your strawberry cheesecake, I love pairing it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea for a delightful contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also complement the sweetness beautifully. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover strawberry cheesecake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long! If you need to reheat, I recommend letting it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, as cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled. No need to put it in the oven—just slice and savor the deliciousness!
FAQ About Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, but fresh strawberries really shine in this strawberry cheesecake recipe! If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done? It’s done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remember, it will firm up in the fridge!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cheesecake is perfect for making a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Why does my cheesecake have cracks? Cracks can happen if the cheesecake is baked too long or if it cools too quickly. A water bath can help prevent this.
What’s the best way to slice cheesecake? For clean slices, use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water before cutting, then wipe it clean after each slice.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delicious strawberry cheesecake with a creamy filling and a crunchy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Fold in sour cream.
- Pour filling over crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with strawberry jam before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake recipe