Description
Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake blends creamy richness with sweet summer memories. Silky smooth layers of tangy cream cheese and fresh strawberries create a dessert that beckons you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
Flavoring and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter to create a cohesive mixture. Firmly press the crumb base into the bottom of a springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth texture. Gently fold in vanilla extract, stirring until completely integrated.
- Carefully transfer the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Place in a preheated oven at 325°F and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, monitoring until the center appears set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove cheesecake from oven and let it rest at room temperature until completely cooled. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to allow proper setting and flavor development.
- Before serving, arrange fresh strawberry slices across the top of the chilled cheesecake. Warm strawberry preserves slightly and delicately brush a thin, glossy layer over the fruit to enhance shine and flavor.
Notes
- Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush graham crackers into fine, even crumbs for a consistent and smooth crust texture.
- Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a silky, lump-free filling.
- Place a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create a moist environment and reduce surface cracks on the cheesecake.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 379
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 196 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg