This luscious strawberry cheesecake is as beautiful as it is irresistible — with a velvety filling, buttery crust, and sweet berry swirl that steals the show.
⏱️ Time & Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 55 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: ~5 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories per Serving: ~430 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packs cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Swirl
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped 🍓
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool while you prepare the filling.
2️⃣ Make the Strawberry Sauce
In a small saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until syrupy (about 10 minutes). Blend until smooth. Strain if you want a silky texture. Let it cool.
3️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Don’t overmix — just until creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour cheesecake batter into the cooled crust. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry sauce on top and use a knife to swirl gently for a marble effect.
5️⃣ Bake in a Water Bath
Place the pan into a larger pan filled with hot water (about halfway up the sides). Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off oven, crack door, and let it sit inside for 1 hour.
6️⃣ Chill Completely
Remove, cool to room temp, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7️⃣ Serve & Swoon
Top with fresh strawberries or extra sauce if desired. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear.
💛 Why You’ll Love This
- Swirls of real strawberries in every creamy bite
- Smooth and silky filling with a tender crust
- Tastes even better the next day — hello, make-ahead magic!
💡 Helpful Tips
- For neat slices, wipe your knife with a warm damp towel between cuts.
- Want extra berry punch? Add a layer of strawberry jam under the filling.
- No fresh berries? Frozen work great — just thaw before cooking.
- Bake low and slow to avoid cracking — the water bath is your friend!
Leave a Reply