The holidays are upon us, and there’s no better time to bring out the showstopping desserts! This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight is everything you want in a festive treat: rich layers of strawberry-infused cake, a creamy cheesecake center, and a crunchy strawberry-cookie crumble. Imagine gathering loved ones around as you reveal this stunning dessert, its vibrant pink hues and luscious layers inviting everyone to indulge in the sweet joy of the season.
As Christmas nears, the flavors of strawberries bring a delightful twist to traditional holiday treats. This dessert combines the nostalgic taste of creamy cheesecake with the punchy sweetness of strawberry cake, making it an instant classic. The delicate cookie crunch topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making each slice feel like a little gift of pure delight. It’s a labor of love, but one that will create cherished holiday memories.
This recipe is perfect for your Christmas gatherings or any special winter celebration. It’s a delight to make, with layers that come together like a holiday masterpiece. So, pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and prepare to whip up a dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. 🎅🍓🍰
🎄 Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight 🎄🍰
Servings: 12 | Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Calories: ~450 per serving
Gather Your Ingredients 🎅
For the Crunchy Cookie Layer:
- 36 vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed into chunky bits
- 1 (3-ounce) box of strawberry gelatin for that berry burst
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, for binding
- A dash of red food color gel for that perfect pink
Strawberry Cake Layers:
- 1 box (16.5-ounce) of Strawberry Supreme cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 (3-ounce) box of strawberry gelatin for extra flavor
Cheesecake Centerpiece:
- ¾ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
Substitutions & Additions 🎄
- Food Coloring: Swap gel for liquid food coloring if needed, adjusting quantity.
- Cake Mix Alternatives: Vanilla or lemon cake mixes work as excellent substitutes if strawberry isn’t available.
Crafting Your Holiday Masterpiece 🎨🍰
- Cookie Crumble Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush cookies, then mix with strawberry gelatin, melted butter, and red food coloring. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until crispy. Set aside to cool.
- Cake Creation: In a mixing bowl, blend cake mix, eggs, melted butter, milk, and strawberry gelatin. Pour the batter evenly into greased cake pans and bake according to the cake mix package instructions or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool.
- Cheesecake Magic: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla, and eggs. Pour mixture into a greased 9-inch pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until set. Chill the cheesecake layer for at least 2 hours.
- Frosting Whipping: Beat softened cream cheese, heavy cream, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together until fluffy and smooth.
- Assembly Art: Place one strawberry cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, followed by the cheesecake layer. Add more frosting, then place the second strawberry cake layer on top. Finish with a generous spread of frosting and sprinkle the cookie crumble over the top for a festive finish.
Serving Suggestion 🎄
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries for extra festive flair!
Storing Your Creation 📦
- Fridge: Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For best flavor, enjoy this dessert fresh, as freezing may affect the frosting texture.
Bring this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight to your holiday table and watch the joy spread with every bite! 🍓✨