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The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Caroline

The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

This Strawberry Cheesecake features a buttery cookie crust, a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry topping that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. A show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (200g) cookie crumbs
  • 8 tbsp (120g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 oz (500g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 lb (500g) fresh strawberries (½ diced, ½ halved)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Equipment

  • 8-inch springform pan
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • saucepan
  • whisk and spatula
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan, line the bottom with parchment, and grease the sides.
  2. Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into the pan, covering the base and sides evenly.
  3. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add flour, vanilla, sour cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix gently. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  4. Pour filling into the crust. Bake for 55–60 minutes until nearly set in the center. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  5. In a saucepan, cook diced strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla until syrupy. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Add halved strawberries, cook 1 minute, then cool.
  6. Remove cheesecake from the pan. Spread strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake. Chill for 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Cheesecake is best served cold, ideally after chilling overnight. For a professional finish, garnish with whipped cream swirls around the edges. Always use full-fat cream cheese for best results.