Description
Indulgent strawberry crunch cheesecake delivers creamy bliss with a crisp, sweet graham cracker coating. Sweet summer berries and smooth cream cheese create a perfect dessert that delights taste buds with each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) strawberry preserves
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (25 grams) crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 325F (160C) and carefully coat the springform pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture across the bottom of the pan to create a compact base.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.
- Introduce eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, gently blending after each addition to maintain a uniform texture without overmixing.
- Delicately transfer the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust, creating gentle swirls of strawberry preserves throughout using a knife or spatula for a marbled effect.
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a set center with a slight wobble when gently shaken.
- Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth texture.
- Just before serving, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries across the top, creating a vibrant and crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and intense fruity flavor.
Notes
- Enhance the crust’s texture by toasting the vanilla wafer crumbs in the oven for 5 minutes before mixing with butter, creating a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing, which introduces excess air into the batter.
- Swap regular strawberry preserves with low-sugar or sugar-free options for a diabetic-friendly version, maintaining the fruity essence without compromising sweetness.
- Experiment with gluten-free vanilla wafers or almond flour for the crust to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg