Hello, dessert lover! If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect cheesecake—creamy, velvety, with a touch of tang and the sweetness of fresh strawberries—then look no further. This Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake is everything you want and more. The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and luscious strawberry topping is a match made in dessert heaven. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

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Why You’ll Love Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating those cozy, indulgent moments. Whether it’s a celebration, a family gathering, or just a personal treat, this cheesecake will make every occasion feel special. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or even a regular weekend treat. It fits any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a big dinner or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee.
Made From Scratch: This isn’t your average store-bought cheesecake. The crust is buttery, the filling is rich and smooth, and the fresh strawberry topping adds the perfect finish.
Quick and Easy: It’s simpler than you might think! With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a gorgeous dessert ready to impress.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love cheesecake? This one’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The strawberries on top just take it over the top.

Ingredients

The beauty of this cheesecake lies in the simple, quality ingredients that come together to create a showstopper of a dessert. Here’s everything you need:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of the cheesecake. It’s buttery, slightly sweet, and provides the perfect crunch.
Butter: Adds richness to the crust and helps everything hold together.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling! This makes it velvety smooth and rich.
Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the cheesecake and balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Sour Cream: For that creamy, slightly tangy flavor that makes cheesecake so irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla brings warmth to the flavor and makes it extra delicious.
Eggs: These help set the filling, giving it that smooth, firm texture that makes each slice perfect.
Fresh Strawberries: For the topping, these are the perfect way to bring freshness and sweetness to every bite.
Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the strawberries and make them extra delicious.

(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this dream dessert a reality!

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps your cheesecake bake evenly and turn out just right.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a little bit of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to create a firm, even crust. Bake for about 10 minutes until it’s golden and set. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the filling.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it even. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggles when you tap the pan. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
Cool the Cheesecake: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
Make the Strawberry Topping: While the cheesecake is chilling, slice the fresh strawberries and toss them with powdered sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices, creating a syrupy topping.
Top and Serve: Once the cheesecake is chilled and firm, top it with the sugared strawberries just before serving. Slice, serve, and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Exact nutrition information is available in the recipe card.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake

This cheesecake is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.
Chocolate Sauce: For those who love a little chocolate with their cheesecake, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top.
Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with your favorite hot drink for the perfect end to any meal.
Additional Fruit: If you love berries, add a mix of blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your cheesecake even better:

Crust Variation: You can swap graham crackers for other cookies like Oreos or digestives for a fun twist.
Make It Ahead: Cheesecake is perfect for make-ahead meals. Just make sure to let it chill for several hours (overnight is best) to get that perfect texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this a gluten-free dessert.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
A1: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them and drain the excess liquid before adding them to the cheesecake.

Q2: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Cheesecake is perfect for making in advance. Just make sure to give it enough time to cool and set in the fridge.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as good the next day!

Q4: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat cheesecake?
A5: Cheesecake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, if you need a larger cheesecake, just double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time as necessary.

Q7: Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
A7: Of course! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango would be great alternatives to strawberries.

Q8: Can I make the crust without butter?
A8: You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make the crust, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Q9: How do I make sure my cheesecake doesn’t crack?
A9: Make sure to bake at a low temperature and don’t overmix the filling. If cracks still happen, topping it with strawberries will easily cover it up!

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
A10: Cream cheese is best for its smooth texture, but mascarpone or ricotta can also work if you want a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion

This Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its creamy, dreamy filling, buttery crust, and sweet strawberry topping, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cheesecake is sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness! Happy cheesecake-making!

Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and luscious homemade strawberry cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich strawberry-infused filling, and a sweet glaze topped with crunchy strawberry crumbs. A perfect dessert for any occasion!

Instructions

Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and strawberry puree. Add pink food coloring if desired.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool slowly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Add the Topping:
- Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cheesecake and sprinkle with crushed strawberry crumbs.
Slice and Enjoy!

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
For extra strawberry flavor, swirl additional puree into the filling before baking.
Let the cheesecake fully chill before slicing for the best texture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 32 g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg