Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 ½ tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 ½ lbs strawberries
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 to 6 tablespoons sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and wrap the outside with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
- Making the Crust:
- In a food processor or bag, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter, sugar, and salt until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Cheesecake Filling:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Water Bath and Baking:
- Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for about 75 minutes. Turn off the oven, slightly open the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour.
- Chilling:
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Strawberry Topping:
- Halve and puree half the strawberries. Cook the puree with cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened. Add the remaining strawberry halves, adjust sweetness with additional sugar or lemon juice, and let cool.
- Serving:
- Top the chilled cheesecake with the strawberry sauce. For clean slices, dip a knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
Notes
This Strawberry Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings joy with every bite. Enjoy making it as much as you will savor eating it!