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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

A creamy and indulgent cheesecake topped with a delightful strawberry crunch, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • cups ⅓ cup sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cups 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 large 3 large eggs
  • 1 cups 1 cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping
  • 1 cup 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries If unavailable, substitute with crushed fresh strawberries for a different texture.
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup crushed graham crackers
  • 0.25 cups ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh strawberries, for serving Use as desired.
  • Whipped cream Because who can resist?

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla, continuing to mix until combined.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Don't worry if it looks a bit lumpy; it will be creamy once baked.
  4. Finally, add the sour cream and blend until smooth.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Baking the Cheesecake
  1. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  2. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for another hour.
Preparing the Strawberry Crunch Topping
  1. Meanwhile, pulse the freeze-dried strawberries, crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a blender or food processor until you achieve a crunchy mixture.
  2. Sprinkle this mixture over the cooled cheesecake once it has reached room temperature.
Chilling and Serving
  1. Cover the cheesecake and place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours (or overnight for best results).
  2. Serve with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Notes

Store any leftover cheesecake in the fridge for up to a week. The next day it typically tastes even better!