Description
This creamy and delightful cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a thick creamy center, and a fresh strawberry topping, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (Use finely crushed for best texture.)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (Unsalted preferred.)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 16 oz cream cheese (Softened to room temperature.)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (Alternatively, use heavy cream.)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (Add one at a time.)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (Sliced.)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Optional, for thickening.)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup extra berries (For garnish.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the crust cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add sour cream (or heavy cream) and vanilla, then mix well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly, about 55-70 minutes.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Cool completely on the counter before refrigerating for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice strawberries, then toss them with sugar and lemon juice.
- For a thicker topping, simmer half the strawberries with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch slurry, then fold in the fresh strawberries after cooling.
- Let it cool before topping the cheesecake.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, spoon the strawberry topping on top, add extra berries if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: strawberries, cheesecake, dessert, cake