Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a showstopping dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with a delightful strawberry crunch topping. It’s perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a delicious and visually appealing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 (15 ounce) box strawberry cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract and salt. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Gently fold in sour cream.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Crumble the mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother cheesecake, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened.
- You can make the strawberry crunch topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries for added visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 8g