Why Youโll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy cheesecake with a delightful crunch, this Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecakeis a must-try. It features a smooth cheesecake filling with a strawberry-infused twist, topped with a crispy, buttery strawberry crunch layer. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this dessert combines nostalgia with indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy whipping cream
- Strawberry gelatin
- Golden Oreo cookies
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Whipped topping (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the crust:ย Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and chill in the refrigerator.
- Make the cheesecake filling:ย Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, whipping until fluffy.
- Incorporate strawberry flavor:ย Dissolve the strawberry gelatin in hot water, then allow it to cool slightly before folding it into the cheesecake mixture.
- Assemble:ย Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until set.
- Prepare the crunch topping:ย Crush golden Oreos and mix with freeze-dried strawberries and melted butter to create a crunchy topping.
- Add the topping:ย Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish and serve:ย Decorate with fresh strawberries and whipped topping if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 8-10 slices
- Prep Time:ย 20 minutes
- Chilling Time:ย 4-6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time:ย About 6 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Twist:ย Add a layer of melted chocolate between the crust and cheesecake filling.
- Berry Medley:ย Mix in blueberries or raspberries for a more complex berry flavor.
- No-Bake Option:ย Skip the gelatin and use a stabilized whipped topping for an easier, no-bake version.
- Vegan Alternative:ย Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream to make it vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:ย Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:ย Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating:ย Cheesecake is best served cold, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating.
FAQs
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, and avoid overbeating the batter.
Can I use a different cookie for the crunch topping?
Yes! Try vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
Do I have to use strawberry gelatin?
No, but it enhances the strawberry flavor. You can use fresh strawberries blended into the filling instead.
What type of pan should I use?
A springform pan is recommended for easy removal and the best presentation.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake is best when chilled overnight, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier texture.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the cheesecake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wipe clean between each cut.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Absolutely! A simple strawberry glaze or chocolate drizzle would pair beautifully.
What if my cheesecake is too soft?
Make sure it chills for at least 4-6 hours. Overnight is best for full firmness.
Can I make mini cheesecakes instead?
Yes! Use cupcake liners in a muffin tin and reduce the chilling time to about 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a dream dessert with its smooth, creamy texture and irresistible crunchy topping. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, itโs sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintBerrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thisย Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecakeย is a creamy, dreamy dessert with a sweet strawberry twist! A velvety smooth cheesecake filling sits atop a buttery vanilla cookie crust, topped with a crispy strawberry crunch made from golden cookies and freeze-dried strawberries. Itโs the perfect no-bake treat for summer parties, birthdays, or just when youโre craving something berrylicious!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (or Golden Oreos), crushed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (blended fresh strawberries)
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies (or Golden Oreos), crushed
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge while making the filling.
2๏ธโฃย Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir in sour cream and strawberry puree until fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3๏ธโฃย Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crunch mixture evenly over the cheesecake.
4๏ธโฃย Chill & Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of white chocolate, if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy the berrylicious goodness!
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the filling.
- Swap out vanilla wafer cookies for Golden Oreos for extra sweetness.
- Use a food processor to easily crush the cookies and freeze-dried strawberries.
- If you prefer a baked version, bake the crust for 8-10 minutes at 350ยฐF before adding the filling.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *