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Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake
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This Strawberry Cheesecake recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors with fresh strawberries atop a luscious cream cheese base. Suitable for any occasion, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a visually stunning and delicious dessert. You can customize the texture and style, choosing between baked or no-bake versions, and adapt it for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra whole strawberries for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even crust. Chill the crust while preparing the filling to help it set properly.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Avoid overmixing to prevent baking cracks.
  3. Add Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the cheesecake batter, ensuring they remain evenly distributed. Reserve some whole strawberries to place on top before baking.
  4. Bake with Care: Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This helps maintain a creamy texture without overbaking.
  5. Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and firmness. Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter.
  • Consider using a water bath while baking to keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free.
  • Never skip chilling; refrigeration helps meld flavors and firm up texture.
  • Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries for the best taste and appearance.
  • Gently fold in strawberries to prevent bleeding color throughout the cheesecake.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, gluten-free dessert, fresh strawberries

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/strawberry-cheesecake/