Description
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake features a smooth, creamy filling with fresh strawberries folded inside, resting on a classic graham cracker crust. Topped with a delightful strawberry-flavored crunch made from vanilla wafers and freeze-dried strawberries coated in a strawberry gelatin butter glaze, this no-bake style cheesecake is both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 1/2 cup strawberry gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar thoroughly.
- Add Butter to Crust: Pour melted unsalted butter into the crumb mixture and stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust base.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Mix in Vanilla: Incorporate vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture and beat for an additional 30 seconds.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to retain lightness and airiness.
- Add Strawberries: Fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the cheesecake mixture carefully.
- Fill Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Chill Cheesecake: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set well.
- Melt Butter for Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add Gelatin Powder: Stir strawberry gelatin powder into the melted butter until smooth and well combined.
- Mix in Cookies: Add crushed vanilla wafer cookies to the gelatin butter mixture, stirring to coat.
- Add Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Stir in freeze-dried strawberries, breaking up any large pieces to evenly distribute.
- Apply Topping: Spread this strawberry crunch topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake, gently pressing it to adhere.
- Additional Chill: Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm the topping.
- Release Pan: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and serve, enjoying the creamy filling combined with the crunchy strawberry topping.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling.
- Be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to maintain an airy texture.
- The crust should be completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add a unique crunch and intense strawberry flavor to the topping.
- This cheesecake requires refrigeration time to fully set—plan ahead accordingly.
- You can substitute vanilla wafers with other crunchy cookies if preferred.
