01/16/2025
Strawberry Cheesecake with a Crunchy Strawberry Crumb Topping 🍓🍰
This cheesecake features a smooth and creamy filling, topped with a strawberry-flavored layer and finished with a sweet, crunchy graham cracker and strawberry crumb topping.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crunchy Topping:
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry crumbs)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated with butter.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Bake for 8-10 minutes and remove from the oven to cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Beat until fully combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the flour until smooth.
Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are golden.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open to avoid cracking.
Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, strawberry jam, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens.
Allow the strawberry mixture to cool before spreading it over the cheesecake.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, freeze-dried strawberry crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Sprinkle the mixture over the strawberry layer, pressing it lightly to ensure it sticks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is assembled and chilled, slice the cheesecake and serve.
Enjoy the creamy filling, sweet strawberry topping, and the delightful crunch of the strawberry-coated crumbs in every bite!
This Strawberry Cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of strawberry-coated crumbs is perfect for any occasion! 🍓🍰