Strawberry Cheesecake

why make this recipe

Strawberry cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is great for gatherings, special occasions, or just a delicious treat at home. It’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

how to make Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 200g / 7oz Arnott’s Marie crackers or other plain biscuit (Aus) or 28 Graham Cracker squares
• 120 g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lb / 500g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat, or substitute with yogurt)
• 1 1/2 cups caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 500g / 1 lb strawberries, half diced and half halved
• 2 tbsp lemon juice OR water
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it lightly.

Cheesecake Biscuit Base:

1. Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs.
2. Mix the biscuit crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the base of the prepared springform pan evenly. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool.

Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add flour, vanilla extract, sour cream, sugar, and lemon zest to the cream cheese and mix until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until smooth.
4. Pour the filling over the cooled biscuit base.

Strawberry Topping for Cheesecake:

1. In a saucepan, combine diced strawberries, lemon juice or water, white sugar, cornflour, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
3. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake.
4. Decorate the cheesecake with halved strawberries on top.

how to serve Strawberry Cheesecake

Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve it chilled. You can garnish it with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an extra touch.

how to store Strawberry Cheesecake

To store your cheesecake, cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

tips to make Strawberry Cheesecake

• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake, add more sugar to the filling.

variation

You can change the fruit topping based on your preference. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for different flavors!

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be different. The cheesecake may be less creamy.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake should be set on the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

3. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits instead of regular ones to make a gluten-free version of this cheesecake.