Strawberry cheesecake is like a sweet hug on a plate, combining the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries. Picture this: a velvety smooth filling resting atop a buttery graham cracker crust, crowned with luscious strawberry topping that glistens in the light. Just imagining it makes your mouth water, doesn’t it?

This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or just because you deserve something special. The first time I made strawberry cheesecake was during a heatwave, and let me tell you, it was the perfect way to cool down and wow my friends at the same time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Strawberry cheesecake is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and offers an explosion of flavor
- Its stunning presentation always impresses guests and can be made ahead of time for convenience
- This dessert is versatile enough for any season or celebration!
I remember serving this strawberry cheesecake at a picnic last summer; everyone went back for seconds and thirds. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Choose finely crushed crumbs for an even crust that holds together beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together; use unsalted to control the saltiness.
Fresh Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess to balance out the sweetness; don’t skip it!
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation for best results.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for a naturally sweet topping; they should be vibrant red and firm.
Gelatin Powder (optional): If you prefer your cheesecake extra firm, consider adding gelatin for stability.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even layer.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated without lumps.
Add Eggs Gradually: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to maintain airiness in your filling. Avoid overmixing; we want fluffy cheesecake!
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour your filling over the cooled crust and bake in the oven for about 50-60 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack open the door slightly. Let your cheesecake cool in there for an hour before transferring it to chill in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
Enjoy making this incredibly delicious strawberry cheesecake that will impress your friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- This incredible strawberry cheesecake balances creamy texture with a refreshing burst of flavor
- The combination of sweet strawberries and rich cream cheese creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion
- Plus, the vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece at gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust, then mix the filling while it chills. Bake until set, allowing time for cooling before adding strawberries on top for that show-stopping finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for your favorite fruit like blueberries or raspberries. You can also add a splash of lemon juice in the filling for an extra zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy cold—no reheating necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling; avoid lumps by mixing well
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for best flavor and texture development
- Top with fresh strawberries just before serving to keep them vibrant and juicy
Sometimes I still remember the first time I made this strawberry cheesecake; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this strawberry cheesecake?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will give you better flavor and texture.
How long should I chill my cheesecake?
Chill your cheesecake for at least four hours, but overnight is best.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for several days before serving.

Strawberry Cheesecake
Strawberry cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines rich cream cheese filling with fresh, vibrant strawberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, this crowd-pleaser is simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Impress your guests with this stunning treat that balances creamy texture and fruity flavor in every bite.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz fresh cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing gently to maintain airiness.
- Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool in the oven with the door cracked for an hour, then refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
- Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg