Description
Classic strawberry crunch cheesecake invites dessert enthusiasts into a world of creamy indulgence and textural delight. Sweet graham cracker layers and fresh strawberries create a perfectly balanced dessert that will satisfy deep cravings and impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 20 golden sandwich cookies (Golden Oreos), crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ¼ cup strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O powder)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh strawberries (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, forming a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a springform pan’s base, creating an even foundation. Refrigerate to solidify while preparing subsequent components.
- Filling Fusion: Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until supremely smooth. Blend in vanilla extract and sour cream. Separately, whisk heavy cream into stiff, voluminous peaks. Gently incorporate whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, maintaining an airy, delicate texture.
- Setting and Chilling: Transfer filling onto prepared crust, smoothing the surface meticulously. Refrigerate for several hours, allowing the cheesecake to develop a dense, creamy consistency capable of supporting additional layers.
- Crunch Topping Preparation: Crush golden sandwich cookies and combine with melted butter, freeze-dried strawberries, and strawberry gelatin powder. Mix until achieving a textured, crumbly composition that provides vibrant flavor and distinctive crunch.
- Final Assembly: Carefully remove chilled cheesecake from pan. Generously coat top and sides with strawberry crunch mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage. Garnish with fresh, glistening strawberries and optional whipped cream dollops.
Notes
- Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling and ensure a solid base that holds together when slicing.
- Cream Cheese Smoothness Strategy: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, uniform texture without overmixing.
- Whipping Wisdom: Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture using a bottom-up motion to maintain air pockets and create a light, airy cheesecake filling.
- Freezing Flexibility: Can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 weeks, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve texture and flavor when preparing in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 411
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 271 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg