Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe – Creamy, Delicious & Easy

If you love creamy, rich, and decadent cheesecakes, this Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe is a must-try! Combining a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake filling, and a homemade strawberry swirl, this dessert is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The fruity swirl not only adds a burst of strawberry flavor but also enhances the cheesecake with its beautiful marbled effect. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this cheesecake will impress with its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

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Nutrition & Instructions

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Active Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 6 hours (cooling and chilling)
• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Dessert
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 12
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Food processor or rolling pin (for crust)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Fine mesh sieve (for strawberry sauce)
• Spoon or skewer (for swirling effect)
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to prevent cracking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Swirl Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes until the strawberries break down and release their juices.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add sugar and continue beating until light and creamy.
3. Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Drop small spoonfuls of the strawberry sauce on top of the batter.
3. Use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the sauce into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in.
2. Place the pan in a larger baking sheet and fill it with hot water, creating a water bath.
3. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

1. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once chilled, run a knife around the edges of the pan and release the springform.
2. Slice and serve with additional strawberry sauce or whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
• Use a Water Bath: This helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.
• Chill Overnight: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight before serving.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a touch of lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness.

Pairing Suggestions

This strawberry swirl cheesecake pairs well with:

• A drizzle of melted chocolate
• Fresh berries and mint garnish
• A cup of coffee or tea
• A glass of dessert wine

Conclusion

This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, with a stunning strawberry swirl that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure dessert heaven!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.