Description
This luscious cheesecake features a smooth, creamy filling swirled with a vibrant strawberry compote, all atop a crunchy graham cracker crust. A delightful dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Strawberry Swirl:
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1 lb strawberries, quartered
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2 Tbsp granulated sugar
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1½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 Tbsp water
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2 tsp cornstarch
Graham Cracker Crust:
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175 g (about 1¾ cups) graham cracker crumbs (gluten-free, if needed)
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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¼ tsp kosher salt
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5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
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24 oz (three 8 oz blocks) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup (180g) sour cream, room temperature
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1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
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¼ tsp kosher salt
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2 large eggs
Instructions
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Prepare the Strawberry Swirl:
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In a saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
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Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Once the strawberries have softened, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry.
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Stir the slurry into the strawberry mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
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Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt.
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Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
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Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to beat until well combined.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Assemble the Cheesecake:
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
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Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry swirl mixture onto the surface of the cheesecake filling.
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Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry mixture into the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect.
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Bake:
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Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
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Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
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Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before removing from the springform pan and serving.
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Notes
For a gluten-free version, ensure that the graham cracker crumbs are certified gluten-free.
The strawberry swirl can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling and ensure the cheesecake cools gradually.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American