Simple Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe: Fresh & Dreamy Delight

Summer nights call for a decadent strawberry cheesecake that melts in your mouth with creamy perfection.

Berries burst with natural sweetness, creating a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with graham cracker crust, promising a luxurious texture.

Every slice promises a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Rich ingredients combine to craft a dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Smooth and velvety, this cheesecake will become your go-to recipe for impressing guests.

You cannot resist diving into this gorgeous strawberry-studded treat that screams seasonal delight.

Strawberry Cheesecake That Tastes Like Summer

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Quick and simple preparation makes this strawberry cheesecake a breeze for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant dessert that impresses guests without requiring advanced culinary techniques, ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding extra strawberries or adjusting sweetness to match individual preferences.
• No-Stress Chilling Method: Gentle cooling process in the oven prevents cracking and ensures a smooth, creamy texture without complicated water bath techniques.

Strawberry Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for cheesecake, provides a sweet and crunchy foundation.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust, enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients, creates a cohesive texture.

• Cream Cheese: Key ingredient for smooth and rich cheesecake, best when softened at room temperature.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling, balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cheesecake.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness, help bind the filling together.
• Sour Cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, sweet fruit that complements the creamy cheesecake, best when ripe and in season.
• Sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity, brightens the strawberry flavor and prevents browning.

Strawberry Cheesecake with Fresh Berries Prep Steps

Step 1: Create Delicious Crust

Grab graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a medium bowl until they form a consistent texture.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer.

Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Remove and let it cool completely while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth and velvety.

Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to create a silky consistency.

Gently fold in sour cream and mix until the filling looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust.

Tap the pan gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The center should look slightly jiggly but set when gently shaken.

Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for one hour.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare Strawberry Topping

Remove the cheesecake and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

• Sliced strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Let the strawberries sit for 10-15 minutes to create a delightful syrup.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.

Generously top with macerated strawberries and their sweet syrup.

Slice and serve this delectable dessert to impress your guests or enjoy a personal treat!

Strawberry Cheesecake – Simple Dessert Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, crack-free cheesecake texture and blend ingredients gently without overmixing.
• Place a water bath underneath the springform pan to create humid baking environment, which prevents surface cracking and promotes even cooking.
• Select ripe, deep red strawberries and macerate them briefly with sugar to enhance natural sweetness and create delightful syrupy topping.
• Wipe cheesecake knife with hot water between cuts to achieve clean, precise slices without dragging filling or crust.
• Allow cheesecake to rest in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours or overnight, enabling flavors to develop and ensuring perfect firm yet creamy consistency.

Store Strawberry Cheesecake Easily

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
• Gently warm individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cheesecake rubbery and compromise its creamy texture.
• Add fresh strawberries just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent soggy toppings when reheating or serving leftover slices.

Strawberry Cheesecake Light Pairings

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Select a sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling that complements the strawberry cheesecake's rich, tangy profile. These light, fruity wines enhance the dessert's sweetness without overwhelming the delicate strawberry notes.
• Brew Complementary Coffee: Choose a smooth medium roast or hazelnut-flavored coffee to balance the cheesecake's creamy texture. The coffee's subtle warmth and nutty undertones create a delightful contrast with the cool, smooth cheesecake.
• Create Sparkling Beverage Match: Opt for a chilled prosecco or champagne with light, crisp bubbles that cut through the cheesecake's richness. The sparkling wine's bright acidity and refreshing character perfectly highlight the strawberry's natural sweetness.
• Serve Herbal Tea Pairing: Brew a chamomile or lavender tea to provide a gentle, aromatic counterpoint to the cheesecake's decadent flavor. The herbal tea's soothing qualities create a sophisticated and relaxing dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake Easy Recipe Spins

• Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cheesecake texture.
• Low-Carb Keto Cheesecake: Swap graham crackers with crushed pecans or macadamia nuts, use a sugar substitute like erythritol, and reduce strawberry quantity for a keto-friendly dessert that fits strict macronutrient requirements.
• Vegan Strawberry Dream: Create a plant-based alternative using cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, silken tofu, and coconut oil instead of traditional dairy ingredients, with a base made from dates and nuts for a creamy, dairy-free experience.
• No-Bake Summer Version: Skip the oven completely by preparing a chilled cheesecake using gelatin or agar-agar to set the filling, perfect for hot weather and requiring minimal preparation time.

FAQs

• What texture should the cheesecake have when baked?

The cheesecake should have a creamy, smooth texture with a slightly jiggly center when gently shaken. It shouldn’t be completely firm or cracked when done.

• Why does the recipe recommend cooling the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open?

This technique helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually, reducing sudden temperature changes that can cause surface cracks.

• How do I know if I've mixed the cream cheese filling correctly?

The filling should be smooth and free of lumps, with no visible cream cheese chunks. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

• Can I tell if the cheesecake is fully baked without cutting into it?

Yes, the edges will be set and slightly pulled away from the pan sides, and the center will have a slight wobble when gently shaken – this indicates it’s perfectly baked.

Simple Strawberry Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luxurious Simple Strawberry Cheesecake dances with creamy richness and fresh strawberry charm. Sweet layers of silky cream cheese and ripe berries invite dessert lovers to savor pure summer bliss.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Binding and Preparation Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Compress the mixture uniformly into the base of a springform pan, creating a compact and even layer.
3. Warm the crust in a preheated 325°F oven for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
5. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending seamlessly into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Gently introduce eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each one to maintain a smooth texture.
7. Delicately fold sour cream into the mixture, ensuring a uniform and velvety filling.
8. Transfer the luxurious cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface.
9. Eliminate potential air pockets by gently tapping the pan against the counter.
10. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the center sets with a subtle wobble when nudged.
11. Switch off the oven, allowing the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour, facilitating gradual cooling.
12. Extract the cheesecake and permit complete cooling at room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours.
13. Prepare a vibrant strawberry garnish by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and a hint of lemon juice.
14. Allow the strawberries to macerate, developing a luscious syrup for 10-15 minutes.
15. Liberate the chilled cheesecake from its springform container and position on a decorative serving plate.
16. Lavish the top with macerated strawberries and their enticing syrup, creating an irresistible finale.
17. Slice and present this decadent dessert, ready to delight eager palates.

Notes

• Prevent Cracks: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake in a water bath to create a silky, crack-free cheesecake surface.
• Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese and eggs reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts for a celiac-friendly version.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or swirling in fruit preserves for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg