Description
Dreamy strawberry swirl cheesecake promises a luxurious dessert experience that blends silky cream cheese with luscious berry elegance. Sweet and tangy layers create a perfect harmony, inviting you to savor each sublime bite of pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheesecake Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Swirl Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and mix thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan’s base to create a compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- For strawberry swirl, puree fresh strawberries and combine with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until thickened and glossy.
- Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust, then strategically dollop strawberry mixture across the surface.
- Use a knife to create elegant swirl patterns by gently dragging through the strawberry and cheesecake layers.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until center is slightly jiggly but not liquid, with edges beginning to pull away from pan sides.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
- Refrigerate overnight to set completely.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Before serving, pipe whipped cream around edges and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and optional mint leaves.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the creamy texture and vibrant strawberry swirls.
Notes
- Crust Matters: Press graham cracker mixture extremely firmly to prevent crumbling and create a solid, crisp foundation for your cheesecake.
- Temperature Control: Let cream cheese reach room temperature before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free batter and consistent texture.
- Swirl Technique: Add strawberry puree sparingly and use a light hand when creating swirls to prevent over-mixing and maintain beautiful marble patterns.
- Baking Precision: Place a water bath around the springform pan to prevent surface cracking and promote even, gentle baking for silky-smooth results.
- Dietary Adaptations: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 508
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg