Creamy, Dreamy, and Absolutely Unforgettable

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake recipe—one that boasts a buttery graham cracker crust, rich and creamy filling, and a luscious strawberry sauce topping—then you’ve just struck culinary gold. This classic dessert is indulgent, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself (as you should!), this strawberry cheesecake is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake

This recipe is for anyone who craves a bakery-quality dessert without the intimidation of complicated steps or fancy equipment. Each layer has been carefully crafted to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors—crisp crust, silky filling, and juicy berry topping. It’s not just a cheesecake; it’s a showstopper.

Perfect for novice bakers and experienced dessert aficionados alike, this recipe walks you through every detail to ensure your success. And best of all, it’s customizable with simple variations if you’re feeling adventurous!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 packages)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Sauce Topping:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To execute this recipe with ease, have the following tools on hand:

• 9-inch springform pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh sieve (optional, for smooth sauce)
• Piping bag (optional, for whipped cream)
• Cooling rack
• Flat-bottomed glass or spoon (for pressing crust)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the springform pan using the back of a spoon or glass. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping down the sides as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream and heavy cream. Sift in flour and stir until just combined. Fold this into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for 55–60 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour—this helps prevent cracks. Then let it cool fully at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Make the Strawberry Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir constantly for 5–7 minutes until thickened and soft. For a thicker sauce, cook a few minutes longer.

Let it cool slightly, then pour over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.

6. Whip the Cream

Using a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon onto the cheesecake just before serving.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the cheesecake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Avoid adding whipped cream if freezing; instead, add it fresh after thawing.

Recipe Tips & Shortcuts

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key! Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs help the filling blend smoothly and prevent lumps.
• Crack Prevention: Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven is crucial. A water bath is optional but not required thanks to the gentle cooling method.
• Strawberry Swap: Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t in season—just thaw and drain before cooking.
• Flavor Twists: Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy lift or swirl some strawberry sauce into the filling before baking for a marbled look.
• Crust Variations: Try using chocolate graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor base.

Suggested Pairings

Drink Pairings:

• A glass of chilled rosé or Moscato complements the creamy richness and fruitiness beautifully.
• For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling lemonade or hibiscus iced tea.

Food Pairings:

• This cheesecake is a luxurious end to meals like grilled salmon, roast chicken, or pasta primavera.
• Serve it at brunch with quiche, fruit salad, and croissants for an upscale spread.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day after it has had time to set and let the flavors meld.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

A deep 9-inch cake pan can work in a pinch, but it will be harder to remove the cheesecake cleanly. Line it well and consider using parchment “handles” for lifting.

Can I use a different fruit topping?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote would work wonderfully. Just adjust the sugar and lemon juice to taste.

What if my cheesecake cracks?

Don’t panic—a cracked top can be easily disguised with the strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Also, it’ll still taste amazing!

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Look for slightly golden edges and a gently jiggling center (like set Jell-O). Overbaking leads to dryness, so trust the jiggle!

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Strawberry Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s classic, comforting, and never goes out of style. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or a simple family dinner, it makes a memorable impression every time.

If you loved this recipe, share it with your fellow dessert lovers and pin it to your favorite food boards. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more irresistible recipes, baking tips, and kitchen inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s make every bite count!

Happy baking! 🍓🍰