If you are searching for that perfect dessert to wow friends and family, look no further than this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe. It combines a luscious, velvety cream cheese filling with a buttery, crunchy cookie crust and finishes with a unique strawberry crunch topping that adds just the right amount of texture. The soft freshness of strawberry puree swirled through the filling and the punch of sweet-tart freeze-dried strawberries on top create an unforgettable flavor experience. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Simplicity is key here, with each component contributing texture, fresh flavor, or a delightful sweetness that elevates the cheesecake to something truly special.
- Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies, 2 cups (crushed): Forms a buttery, crisp crust that provides the ideal crunchy foundation.
- Unsalted butter, 5 tablespoons (melted): Ensures the crust holds together and adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
- Cream cheese, 3 (8 oz) packages (softened): The star of the show, giving the cheesecake its unmistakable creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the strawberry essence.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
- Large eggs, 3: Bind the ingredients while contributing structure and richness.
- Sour cream, ½ cup: Makes the filling silky smooth and adds a subtle tang.
- Strawberry puree, ½ cup (fresh or frozen, blended): Infuses fresh strawberry flavor and beautiful color into the filling.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): For a visually stunning, vibrant pink cheesecake.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, 1 cup: Give the topping an intense strawberry crunch and authentic fruity taste.
- Golden Oreos, 1 cup (for topping): Crumbled into the topping mixture to add an irresistible cookie crunch.
- Melted butter, 2 tablespoons (for topping): Holds the topping together with a rich smoothness.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom, then lightly grease the sides for easy removal. Mix the crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter until you have a crumbly but sticky mixture. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid crust. Bake for 8 minutes to set it, then let it cool while you prepare the filling. This simple, buttery crust sets the stage perfectly for the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s ultra smooth and free of lumps. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is perfectly combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently on low speed just to incorporate each egg without overbeating, which helps prevent cracks. Next, fold in the sour cream and fresh strawberry puree, which infuses the cheesecake with that natural, summery strawberry flavor and a lovely soft pink tint. If you want an even brighter pink color, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake with Care
Pour the luscious strawberry-infused filling over your cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. To ensure even baking and prevent cracks, place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and add about an inch of hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the cake cool inside for one hour to gently set and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly
After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and refrigerate it for at least four hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to firm up to that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping
For the signature crunch, pulse freeze-dried strawberries and some more Golden Oreos in a food processor until they become coarse crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture holds together loosely like coarse sand. This topping layer adds an exciting texture contrast and concentrated strawberry flavor reminiscent of strawberry shortcake bars.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, generously sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly across the chilled cheesecake surface. Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh strawberry slices if you want to make it even more impressive. This final touch truly brings the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe to life in every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A light whipped cream swirl or fresh strawberry halves are perfect for accentuating the bright and fruity flavors of this cheesecake. You might even add a few mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing contrast. Garnishes not only make the dessert look irresistible but also add extra layers of flavor and texture that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a sparkling rosé on a warm day. For a lighter dessert option alongside, consider serving fresh berry salad or a simple citrus granita to cleanse the palate. These sides complement the dessert without competing with the rich creaminess and crunchy topping.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cheesecake in elegant slices on fine china for a formal occasion or offer it in rustic mason jars for a fun, casual celebration. You can also layer the strawberry crunch and cream cheese filling parfait-style in glasses for an easy-to-eat, visually stunning dessert option. The Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe is versatile and can be adapted to any party or gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and topped, store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its creamy texture and fresh taste for up to five days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday meals or weekend celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze the cheesecake for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to preserve the flavor and prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly less cold, remove it from the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture just enough to enhance the creamy experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried for the crunch topping?
Fresh or frozen strawberries won’t work the same for the topping since they add moisture and won’t provide the signature crunch the freeze-dried ones do. Freeze-dried strawberries give you that satisfying crunch and concentrated flavor that make this topping so special.
Is it necessary to use a water bath when baking this cheesecake?
Yes, the water bath helps bake the cheesecake gently and evenly, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture. It might seem cumbersome but is totally worth the flawless finish you get.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its signature creamy and rich texture, so vegan or dairy-free substitutions would require specialized ingredients like vegan cream cheese and margarine. Texture and flavor might vary, but with the right products, it can be adapted.
How long does it take to prepare this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe?
Preparation takes about 25 minutes, baking around one hour, plus at least four hours of chilling time. Plan ahead for this time, but the result is truly worth every minute.
Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Absolutely! The strawberry crunch topping can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Add it just before serving to keep its delightful texture intact.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug and a party all at once. The interplay of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements creates a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—you might just discover a new favorite to bring joy to any occasion.
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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Easy Creamy & Crunchy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 8 minutes (including crust baking and cheesecake baking)
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is an easy-to-make, creamy, and crunchy delight featuring a smooth strawberry-flavored cream cheese filling on a golden Oreo cookie crust, topped with a unique freeze-dried strawberry and cookie crunch. Perfect for summer or any special occasion, it combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 cups Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup Golden Oreos
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.
- Make crust: Mix crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Add eggs and additional ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Then add sour cream and strawberry puree, mixing until the batter is smooth. Optionally add red or pink food coloring to enhance color.
- Assemble cheesecake: Pour the strawberry cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the cheesecake pan to create a water bath for even baking.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Prepare topping: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreos in a food processor until crumbly but coarse in texture. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Serve: Evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the chilled cheesecake just before serving. Optionally garnish with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for extra freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide an authentic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar flavor to the topping.
- Store cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For best results, gently fold food coloring to avoid overmixing the filling.
- The water bath helps prevent cracks and keeps the cheesecake moist.
