Description
Creamy strawberry cheesecake delivers a luscious dessert experience with perfect balance. Rich Philadelphia cream cheese and fresh berries create a delightful treat you will savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 325°F (163°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, creating a cohesive mixture that will form the cheesecake base.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even and compact crust.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and completely smooth.
- Incorporate sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
- Gently introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a consistent texture.
- Carefully transfer the entire cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching until the center appears almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, generously spread strawberry preserves across the top of the cheesecake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set and develop its full flavor profile before serving.
Notes
- Perfectly crush graham crackers by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and rolling with a rolling pin for even, fine crumbs.
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Prevent cracks by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking, creating a humid environment that helps the cheesecake cook evenly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 443
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 295 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg