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Strawberry cheesecake with graham cracker crust and fresh strawberry topping

Strawberry Cheesecake


  • Author: Molly Jenkins
  • Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x

Description

Strawberry cheesecake is creamy, rich, and topped with a sweet, vibrant strawberry layer—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any indulgent occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • ¼ cup sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 pounds full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (if baking) or prepare a chilled crust (if no-bake).
  2. Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press into springform pan and chill or bake for 8–10 minutes.
  3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, then eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
  4. Fold in sour cream and lemon zest (if using). Pour over crust.
  5. Bake for 50–60 minutes or chill for 4 hours for no-bake version. Let baked version cool gradually.
  6. For topping, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice for 5–7 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry if desired and cook 2 more minutes. Cool completely.
  7. Spread strawberry topping over cooled cheesecake. Chill until ready to serve.
  8. Garnish with mint, whipped cream, or extra strawberries if desired.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients to avoid lumps. For a glossy topping, use a cornstarch or apricot jam glaze.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked or No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake, no-bake cheesecake, summer dessert