Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

Get ready for a dessert that combines the best of two worlds—creamy cheesecake and nostalgic strawberry crunch topping! This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake has a silky smooth cheesecake base, a buttery crust, and a crunchy, flavorful strawberry topping inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars we all love. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to barbecues, and it’s guaranteed to impress both in flavor and presentation. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations to make this show-stopping dessert at home.

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Ingredients List for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

For the Crust:

• 2 cups Golden Oreos, crushed (about 24 cookies)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tang)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 15 Golden Oreos, crushed
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (Jell-O)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries
• White chocolate drizzle

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Crust Alternatives: If you don’t have Golden Oreos, you can use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits.
• Strawberry Gelatin-Free Option: If you prefer not to use gelatin, skip it and increase the freeze-dried strawberries in the crunch topping for more flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free gelatin and reduce sugar in the filling to make a lower-sugar version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, and use plant-based butter.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.

2. Make the Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan, using the back of a measuring cup to flatten it out. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you make the filling.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until the filling is smooth.

4. Pour and Bake:

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential leaks. Bake the cheesecake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

5. Cool the Cheesecake:

Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door cracked open for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking. Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

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How to Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

While your cheesecake is chilling, prepare the delicious strawberry crunch topping that will take this dessert to the next level.

1. Crush the Oreos and Freeze-Dried Strawberries:

In a food processor or a zip-top bag, crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until they form coarse crumbs. Add the strawberry gelatin powder and pulse or mix to combine.

2. Add Melted Butter:

Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir until the mixture is moist and crumbly.

3. Set Aside:

Set the strawberry crunch mixture aside until the cheesecake is ready to be topped.

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Make the Fresh Strawberry Topping

1. Mix the Strawberries:

In a small bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries start to release their juices.

2. Chill:

Let the strawberry mixture sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes while the cheesecake chills.

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Assemble the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Once the cheesecake has fully set, it’s time to assemble and decorate:

1. Spread the Strawberry Crunch:

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate. Generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture over the top of the cheesecake, pressing it lightly so it adheres to the surface.

2. Add the Fresh Strawberry Topping:

Spoon the macerated strawberry mixture on top of the cheesecake, or serve it on the side if you prefer.

3. Optional Garnishes:

For extra indulgence, pipe whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake and garnish with fresh strawberries. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a fancy touch.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: When making the cheesecake filling, avoid overmixing after adding the eggs. This can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecake to rise and crack.
• Not Cooling Slowly: Always allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door cracked open before chilling in the fridge. This prevents cracks from forming on the surface.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip the step of chilling the cheesecake in the fridge. It needs time to fully set and develop its flavor.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake to impress your guests:

How to Serve:

• Chilled: Serve the cheesecake straight from the fridge for the best texture. It’s easier to slice and holds its shape better when cold.
• Clean Cuts: For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.

Presentation Ideas:

• Whipped Cream Piping: Pipe whipped cream around the edges of the cheesecake for a professional look.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some of the extra strawberry crunch mixture around the base of the cheesecake for added texture and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate: Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cheesecake for a fancy finish.

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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Make Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
• Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated strawberry flavor to the crunch topping, making it even more delicious.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a pre-made crust for this cheesecake?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker or Oreo crust.

2. How long will the cheesecake last?
The cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake without the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I make this cheesecake with other fruits?
Absolutely! You can swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries for a different twist.

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its creamy filling, buttery crust, and crunchy strawberry topping, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you're making it for a birthday party, family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and don't forget to share the recipe with friends and family!

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