Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake layers, a strawberry topping, and a crunchy strawberry crumble for a show-stopping dessert. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or Golden Oreos for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 cup Golden Oreos, crushed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs (or Oreo crumbs), sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, firmly pressing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath).
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook until the strawberries break down and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
5. Make the Crunch Topping:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed Golden Oreos, and melted butter until combined.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Spread the strawberry topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the crunch topping generously over the strawberry layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
7. Serve:
- Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Slice and serve your Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
Tips:
- For a no-bake version: Use a no-bake cheesecake filling and skip the baking step.
- Extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cheesecake batter for a more intense strawberry flavor.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of white chocolate.
This cheesecake is bursting with strawberry flavor and crunch, making it the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion! 🍓✨
