Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness with delightful texture and fresh strawberry flavor. It features a smooth cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, layered with juicy strawberries and topped with a crispy crunchy topping, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free graham crackers and crunchy topping)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
Crunchy Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts, cookie crumbs, or granola blend
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even base. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes to set the crust, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Creamy Filling: Beat the room-temperature cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until the batter is perfectly creamy and free of lumps.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Scatter a layer of halved fresh strawberries evenly over the filling. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth the surface for a clean finish.
- Add the Crunch Topping: Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the final layer of cheesecake filling. This topping can be crushed nuts, cookie crumbs, or granola for added texture.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the assembled cheesecake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or overnight for full set and flavor development.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense or cracked cheesecake surface.
- Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Cool the cheesecake slowly to avoid surface cracks.
- Press the crust firmly and pre-bake it to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Strawberry cheesecake, crunchy topping, creamy dessert, fresh strawberries, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake