If you’re looking for a dessert that combines fresh flavors and a delightful crunch, look no further than the Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. This mouthwatering treat features a creamy strawberry cheesecake topped with a crispy layer that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake is as beautiful as it is delicious!

Why Make This Recipe

Making the Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a great way to celebrate the joy of baking! It’s a perfect dessert for birthdays, gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The combination of creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy topping will make your taste buds sing. Plus, you get to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something amazing from scratch!

How to Make Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
24 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (or crushed graham crackers)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add sugar and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and pureed strawberries. Gradually add heavy cream and mix until smooth.
In another bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is mixed well and crumbly.
Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust. Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly on top of the cheesecake. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a small saucepan, heat strawberry jam or puree until it turns into a thick syrup. Cool it slightly and drizzle it over the top of the chilled cheesecake. Add fresh strawberry slices on top.
Slice and enjoy the creamy, berry-filled goodness of your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake! For a nice touch, add some fresh mint leaves for garnish.

How to Serve Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Serve slices of the cheesecake chilled. It makes a fantastic dessert that everyone will love. You can offer it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence. Enjoy sharing this delectable treat with family and friends!

How to Store Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Store leftover cheesecake in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. The cheesecake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Ensure your cream cheese is well softened before mixing to prevent lumps.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can work too if thawed and drained.
Be careful not to overbake the cheesecake; it should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
For added texture, feel free to mix in some chopped nuts into the crunch topping.

Variation

You can customize this cheesecake by adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also make a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use different fruit in this cheesecake?
Yes! You can swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches.

2. Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?
While you can chill it for a minimum of 4 hours, overnight chilling is best to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

3. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! This cheesecake stays fresh for several days in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead dessert for events.

Enjoy creating your Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, and delight in every scrumptious bite!