Description

This Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake features a buttery cookie crust, a smooth and rich cheesecake filling, and a juicy strawberry topping. It’s the perfect dessert for special occasions or when you want to impress with a classic, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Crust:

2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (optional)
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Strawberry Topping:

3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup strawberry jam or jelly
1 tablespoon water (to loosen the jam)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

. Make the Cookie Crust:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers (if using), melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden. Cool while preparing the filling.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and lemon juice (if using).
Pour filling over the cooled crust.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

Bake at 325°F for 50–60 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Make the Strawberry Topping:

In a saucepan, heat jam with water and lemon juice until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Arrange fresh sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake.
Drizzle with the jam glaze and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks.
Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for variation.
Best made a day ahead for flavors to fully develop.