Here’s a classic, creamy Strawberry Cheesecake recipe that’s rich, smooth, and topped with fresh strawberries 🍓🧀✨
🍓 Classic Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients (9-inch cheesecake)
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and lemon juice.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour filling over the crust.
- Optional water bath: Wrap the pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water (helps prevent cracks).
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.
- Chill in fridge 4 hours or overnight.
4. Strawberry Topping
- Heat strawberry jam and lemon juice in a small pot until melted.
- Toss strawberries in the warm jam mixture.
- Let cool slightly.
5. Assemble
- Pour strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
- Chill another 30 minutes to set.
🍽️ Serve
- Slice and enjoy cold
- Garnish with extra strawberries or whipped cream
⭐ Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Don’t overmix after adding eggs (to avoid cracks).
- Chill overnight for best texture.