Description
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a creamy, tangy dessert with a crunchy, buttery topping inspired by strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes; let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Pour over cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven, leave cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Pulse vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor.
- Mix with melted butter until combined.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze (Optional):
- Simmer fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan for 5-7 minutes.
- Mash slightly and strain if a smooth glaze is desired.
- Allow to cool before drizzling over cheesecake.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Remove from the pan and place on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle strawberry crunch topping evenly over the top.
- Drizzle with strawberry glaze if desired.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Refrigerate overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, No-Bake Cheesecake, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, Creamy Cheesecake, Crunchy Topping