Best Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – Creamy, Fresh, and Easy

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – A luscious, creamy cheesecake topped with a glossy strawberry glaze is one of the most iconic desserts enjoyed around the world. This Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is a celebration of everything delightful—smooth cream cheese filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a vibrant strawberry topping that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday dinners, summer parties, or special celebrations, this cheesecake always steals the spotlight.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Active Time: 20 minutes

• Resting/Chilling Time: 4–6 hours (preferably overnight)

• Total Time: 5–7 hours

• Cuisines: American, European

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12 slices

• Calories (per serving): ~425

Nutrition & Instructions (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 425

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 17g

• Cholesterol: 110mg

• Sodium: 310mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 30g

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or hand mixer

• Rubber spatula

• Saucepan (for strawberry topping)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheet or roasting pan (for water bath, optional)

• Parchment paper

• Oven

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for extra stability)

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (or frozen)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Extra sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.

3. Mix until the crumbs resemble wet sand.

4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, using the bottom of a glass to smooth and compress.

5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Add sugar and mix until incorporated.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

4. Mix in sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla, and flour (if using).

5. Use a spatula to scrape the sides, ensuring everything is fully combined without overmixing. Overmixing can cause cracks.

6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Water bath method (recommended):

1. Center the cheesecake in a large roasting pan.

2. Pour hot water around the pan until it reaches halfway up the sides.

3. Bake for 55–70 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly.

Without water bath:

• Bake directly for 50–60 minutes, watching carefully to avoid browning.

Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

4. Chill the Cheesecake

1. Remove from the oven and cool for another hour at room temperature.

2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

3. This resting period helps the texture become smooth, firm, and sliceable.

5. Make the Strawberry Topping

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Stir occasionally until the berries release juice.

3. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

5. Let the mixture cool completely before adding to the cheesecake.

6. Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Once fully chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.

2. Pour the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake.

3. Add fresh sliced strawberries for decorating.

4. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake

1. Use room-temperature ingredients

Cold cream cheese leads to lumps and uneven texture.

2. Don’t overmix the batter

Too much air causes cracks during baking.

3. Avoid opening the oven early

Temperature changes can cause sinking or splitting.

4. Chill thoroughly

The cheesecake firms up as it cools—overnight chilling gives the best results.

5. Add flour or omit it

Flour helps stability but slightly changes the texture. Use only if you want a firmer cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled with fresh strawberries.

• Pair with whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate.

• For a special touch, decorate with mint leaves for a bright pop of color.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake is creamy, fruity, and perfect for any dessert occasion. From its buttery crust to its velvety filling and fresh strawberry topping, every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With careful steps and patient chilling time, you can make a stunning cheesecake that both looks and tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or simple weekend treats, this recipe is sure to become one you’ll cherish and bake over and over again.