Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe: Easy & Delicious!
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a vibrant strawberry layer and a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests!
- Author: yassine
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Golden Sandwich Cookies (like Golden Oreos)
- Unsalted Butter
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese
- Granulated Sugar
- Sour Cream (Full-Fat)
- Vanilla Extract
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Large Eggs
- Strawberry Extract (Optional)
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder (Optional)
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries
- Granulated Sugar & Lemon Juice (for the strawberry swirl)
- Cornstarch Slurry
- Golden Sandwich Cookies (like Golden Oreos) (for the topping)
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries (for the topping)
- Unsalted Butter (for the topping)
- Powdered Sugar (Optional, for the topping)
- Fresh Strawberries (for garnish)
- Whipped Cream (for garnish)
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan. To prevent leaks if using a water bath, wrap the outside bottom and sides of the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Crush the Golden sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, or place them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to compact it firmly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
- In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture starts to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the strawberry mixture.
- Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the swirl thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the room temperature full-fat cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until just combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the room temperature sour cream, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- If using, gently fold in the strawberry extract and/or freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing on very low speed just until each egg is incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled cookie crust in the springform pan.
- If using the strawberry swirl, drop spoonfuls of the cooled swirl onto the cheesecake filling. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the strawberry mixture through the cheesecake batter.
- Carefully place the foil-wrapped springform pan into a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan, ensuring it comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the water bath inside the oven for 1 hour.
- Carefully remove the springform pan from the water bath and remove the foil. Let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature.
- Once completely cool, cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight.
- In a food processor, pulse the Golden sandwich cookies and freeze-dried strawberries until they form a coarse crumb.
- Transfer the crumbs to a bowl. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and, if using, the powdered sugar. Mix until the crumbs are moistened and clump together when squeezed.
- Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- If desired, spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake.
- Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cheesecake. Press it in gently so it adheres.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if you like.
- Slice and serve!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Use a water bath to prevent cracks in the cheesecake. Add the crunch topping just before serving to maintain its texture.