Indulge your sweet tooth with our Strawberry Cheesecake recipe. Discover how to make this luscious dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping. It’s a heavenly treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your dessert cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream until the filling is smooth.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared graham cracker crust.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Place the springform pan in a larger pan and fill the larger pan with hot water to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracking).
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about an hour.
- Remove it from the oven, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set.
6. Make the Strawberry Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake has chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
- Pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delightful Strawberry Cheesecake.
Conclusion (SEO Optimized): Satisfy your sweet cravings with our Strawberry Cheesecake recipe. This heavenly dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a vibrant strawberry topping that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple steps to create a luscious cheesecake that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Strawberry Cheesecake is sure to please.