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