Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 blocks (24 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ½ cup sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; ¼ cup water; ½ tsp lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect balance of creamy richness and fruity freshness, this Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a luxuriously smooth cream cheese filling, and a luscious homemade strawberry topping that bursts with natural flavor. Every bite feels like a special occasion, making it an ideal dessert to share with family and friends or to treat yourself after a long day. I’m excited to walk you through this recipe that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with a crumbly light brown mix shaped around the edges with a small well in the center. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring melted yellow butter into the crumbly mixture. Behind the bowl, there is a white bowl with a spoon and more melted butter and a metal bowl filled with the same crumbly mix, placed on a wooden board. Small crumbs of the mixture are scattered on a white marbled surface around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe. Each component plays its part: the crust delivers crunch and buttery goodness, the filling brings that creamy, tangy decadence, and the strawberry topping offers brightness and sweetness. Simple pantry staples and fresh strawberries come together to create magic in every slice.

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crisp and flavorful base that holds everything together perfectly.
¼ cup sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the crust’s buttery notes.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients and creates that irresistible richness.
3 blocks (24 oz) cream cheese, softened: The heart of the cheesecake with its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling for that classic cheesecake taste.
3 large eggs: Provide structure and help the filling set perfectly without cracking.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling’s flavor.
½ cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and lends a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced): The star of the topping, adding freshness and vibrant color.
½ cup sugar (for topping): Sweetens the strawberries for that jammy effect.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry topping to a glossy, spoonable consistency.
¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and cooks the strawberry mixture evenly.
½ tsp lemon juice: Brightens the berry flavor and keeps the topping fresh.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until every crumb is coated with that luscious butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the base for your cheesecake. Bake it for about 10 minutes until it’s set and fragrant. Then, allow the crust to cool completely so it holds its shape beneath the creamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—no lumps here! Gradually add sugar and continue mixing to maintain that silky texture. Then, add the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next; this prevents cracks and ensures a creamy consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, which add to the flavor complexity and creaminess. Pour this luscious filling gently over the cooled crust, ready to become the star of your cheesecake.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

To achieve that perfect, creamy center without cracks, wrap your springform pan with foil and set it inside a larger pan filled with hot water—a water bath is the secret to gentle, even baking. Bake the cheesecake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour. Then move it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight—patience here is rewarded with the best texture.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping

While the cheesecake chills, prepare that dreamy strawberry topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, roughly 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; this glaze will beautifully complement the tangy cream cheese with its fresh, sweet burst of strawberry flavor.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Once your cheesecake and strawberry topping are fully chilled, pour the strawberry goodness evenly over the cheesecake surface. The combination of the creamy filling with the vibrant topping is picture-perfect. Slice generously, serve on your favorite plates, and dive into a slice of pure joy that only this Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe can deliver.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

A round cheesecake with three visible layers sits on a white marbled surface: a thick, crumbly golden-brown crust at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a smooth pale pink top layer with small bits of strawberries visible inside. On top, there is a pile of fresh whole and sliced bright red strawberries with green leaves, some of them juicy and shiny. In the background, there is a blurred white plate stacked with more strawberries and a white bowl with a spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your strawberry cheesecake shine even more, consider adding fresh strawberry halves or whole berries on top for an eye-catching pop of color and added freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of mint can add elegance and a refreshing touch. These simple garnishes make your dessert look as incredible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience to a decadent treat. For a more surprising side, try pairing with a crisp, lightly sweet rosé or a sparkling water infused with lemon to cleanse the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve individual mini cheesecakes in clear glass jars topped with the strawberry glaze for a charming presentation. Alternatively, use a piping bag to swirl whipped cream accents around each slice for a luxe look. You could even layer sliced strawberries between the crust and filling before baking for an unexpected burst of flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesecake can be happily stored in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Keeping it cold preserves its creamy texture and prevents the strawberry topping from weeping. Remember to slice before storing for easy grab-and-go servings.

Freezing

If you want to save a slice for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices carefully in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. Frozen cheesecake stays delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain that rich, creamy texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is not generally recommended. If you prefer it a bit softer, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This way, the flavor and texture stay intact, giving you the best possible cheesecake experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain excess juice before cooking to avoid a watery topping. The flavor will still be deliciously fresh and sweet.

Why do I need to bake the cheesecake in a water bath?

The water bath gently regulates the temperature around the cheesecake, preventing cracks and encouraging even baking for that perfectly creamy texture you want in a classic cheesecake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers or gluten-free graham crumbs to keep the delicious crust while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How long does the strawberry topping keep?

The strawberry topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before using to bring back its glossy consistency.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt, but sour cream is preferred for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all at once, this Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients and steps, it delivers stunning results every time. Whether for a holiday treat, a birthday cake, or just because, I promise this recipe will have you coming back for seconds and sharing happily with your loved ones. So grab those strawberries and get baking—you’re about to create an unforgettable dessert memory!