Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Dessert is a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries, all topped with a crunchy layer that adds an irresistible twist. This dessert not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a sense of nostalgia, as it often reminds us of summer picnics and family gatherings. The vibrant colors and layers make it a showstopper at any event, and I can assure you, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
People love this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Dessert for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smooth cheesecake filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping, while the strawberries provide a burst of freshness that elevates the entire experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional)
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your crust bakes evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure to pack it tightly to create a solid base for your cheesecake.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- One at a time, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Make sure not to overmix at this stage to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter.
- Next, add the sour cream and mix until just combined. This will add a nice tanginess to your cheesecake.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give your cheesecake a light and airy texture.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want to keep that lightness!
Assembling the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed in the filling.
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. This is important for a creamy texture.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- While the cheesecake is chilling, it’s time to prepare the strawberry crunch topping. Start by placing the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely crushed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well combined and crumb
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Dessert is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a delightful treat. The combination of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and that irresistible crunchy topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your taste. You can swap out strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even add a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent twist. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a go! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Dessert turned out and any variations you tried. Let’s spread the joy of baking together! PrintStrawberry Crunch Cheesecake Dessert: A Delightful No-Bake Treat for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 330 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a luscious Strawberry Cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and a delightful strawberry crunch topping. This dessert is perfect for any celebration, guaranteed to impress and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (for the crust)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for the crust)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cheesecake filling)
- 2 large eggs (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 cup sour cream (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for the cheesecake filling)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for the cheesecake filling)
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (for the strawberry crunch topping)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (for the strawberry crunch topping)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for the strawberry crunch topping)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for the strawberry crunch topping)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, packing it tightly to create a solid base.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Avoid overmixing.
- Add the sour cream and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still jiggle slightly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- While the cheesecake is chilling, place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to set properly.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the strawberry crunch topping by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes