Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberries with our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake recipe! This decadent dessert is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently stir in diced strawberries and pour mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is almost set. Let it cool completely.
- Spread whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafer cookies.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
Popular questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
- Can I substitute the vanilla wafer cookies with another type of cookie?
- Can I add a strawberry glaze on top of the cheesecake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the cheesecake mixture.
Yes, you can use any type of cookie you prefer for the crust topping, such as shortbread or gingersnaps.
Yes, you can drizzle a strawberry glaze over the whipped cream for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Helpful tips:
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, mix diced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for a few hours before adding to the cheesecake mixture.
- Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a hint of brightness.
- Top with fresh whole strawberries before serving for a decorative touch.
Expert Secrets:
- To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, bake in a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent the center from sinking.
- For a richer flavor, use mascarpone cheese in place of some of the cream cheese.
