Description
Creamy strawberry swirl cheesecake beckons with its luscious blend of tangy cream cheese and sweet berry ribbons. Delicate graham cracker crust and silky filling promise a delightful escape that will transport you to dessert paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
Strawberry Components:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 325°F. Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until uniform. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan’s bottom.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow complete cooling.
- Create strawberry swirl by combining chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until strawberries break down and mixture thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove strawberry mixture from heat and let cool completely.
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Add eggs individually, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
- Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust, smoothing the surface evenly.
- Drizzle cooled strawberry mixture across the filling. Use a knife to gently swirl, creating a marbled pattern.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until edges set and center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
- Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for one hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate covered for minimum 4 hours or overnight to enhance flavor melding.
- Before serving, carefully release springform pan. Optional: garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
Notes
- Control moisture by patting strawberries dry before cooking to prevent watery swirl and maintain vibrant color.
- Prevent cheesecake cracks by avoiding overmixing eggs and using room temperature ingredients for smooth, even texture.
- Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of salt to graham cracker crust and using fresh, ripe strawberries for intense natural sweetness.
- Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs while maintaining delicious crust texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 433
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 298 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg