Description
A luscious baked cheesecake layered with a sweet strawberry swirl and finished with a golden, crunchy topping. Perfectly creamy, fruity, and crisp in every bite.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 ½ cups, base for the crust
- Granulated Sugar (for crust): 2 tablespoons, adds sweetness
- Unsalted Butter (melted): 6 tablespoons, binds crust together
- Cream Cheese: 24 oz (3 blocks), softened for creamy filling
- Granulated Sugar (for filling): 1 cup, sweetens the cheesecake
- Sour Cream: ¾ cup, adds tang and smoothness
- Eggs: 3 large, room temp, for structure
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, chopped for swirl
- Granulated Sugar (for swirl): 2 tablespoons, to sweeten the strawberries
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon, brightens the berry swirl
- Crushed Cornflakes or Granola: 1 cup, for crunchy topping
- Brown Sugar (for crunch): 2 tablespoons, adds caramelized flavor
- Butter (melted for topping): 2 tablespoons, binds topping
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and wrap a 9-inch springform pan with foil.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into pan and chill crust.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, eggs, and vanilla on low speed.
- Assemble the Dish: Simmer strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thick. Cool. Layer filling and swirl with fruit mixture.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake 50–60 minutes until center is just set. Cool on wire rack, then chill 4 hours or overnight.
- Finishing Touches: Mix crunch topping ingredients and sprinkle over cheesecake. Chill 10 more minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Release pan sides, slice, and enjoy chilled with extra strawberry topping if desired.
Notes
- Chill overnight for best flavor and firmness.
- Use parchment under crust for easy release.
- Wrap pan in foil to prevent water bath leaks.
- Top with whipped cream or mint sprigs for garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg