How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for Amazing Results

This dreamy Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake combines velvety cream cheese filling with nostalgic strawberry shortcake crunchies for the perfect textural contrast. Rich and creamy with sweet berry notes, it’s a showstopping dessert that balances sophisticated flavor with playful presentation. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless kitchen trials, and it never fails to impress guests. Ready to create a dessert that’s both elegant and reminiscent of those beloved ice cream bars from childhood?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake delivers impressive results with surprisingly little effort. After perfecting it through countless tests, I’m confident you’ll be hooked after one bite.

• Perfect texture contrast: Creamy cheesecake meets crunchy strawberry topping for an irresistible combination
• Make-ahead friendly: Actually improves overnight in the refrigerator
• No decorating skills needed: The pink crunchies create a stunning presentation naturally
• Versatile for any occasion: Equally perfect for summer gatherings or holiday tables
• Reliable results: Carefully tested to eliminate guesswork and prevent common cheesecake pitfalls

This dessert brilliantly combines sophisticated flavor with nostalgic charm – like your favorite childhood ice cream treat in elegant, grown-up form.

Ingredients for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this showstopping dessert. I’ve organized the ingredients by component to make your prep work simple and straightforward.

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 full sheets)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Crunchies:

• 1 package (12 ounces) Golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookies
• 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin powder
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves (optional)

Pro Tips:

• Make sure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before mixing – this prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture
• Quality matters with cream cheese – a premium brand will give you that perfect creamy consistency
• Don’t substitute the full-fat cream cheese with low-fat versions unless you’re prepared for a slightly different texture
• Fresh strawberries make a big difference in the final presentation, but frozen (thawed and drained) can work for the topping in a pinch

Having everything measured and ready before you start will make the assembly process much more enjoyable. Trust me, this ingredient list might look long, but the spectacular results are absolutely worth it!

How To Make strawberry crunch cheesecake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir until they are well mixed.
• Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is coated and resembles wet sand.
• Tip: Use a measuring cup to firmly press the mixture into the bottom of your springform pan for an even, delicious crust.

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Bake the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place your crust in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden. Remove it and let it cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Finally, pour in the strawberry puree and blend until just combined.

Pro Tip: To avoid lumps, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.

Combine and Bake:

1. Pour the luscious cheesecake filling over your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for about an hour to cool gradually, this helps prevent cracks.

Chill the Cheesecake:

• After an hour, take the cheesecake out and let it cool to room temperature.
• Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, this ensures that it’s firm and flavorful.

Prepare the Crunch Topping:

• In a separate bowl, mix the crushed freeze-dried strawberries with the granola or cookie crumbs.
• Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, sprinkle the crunchy topping generously over the top before serving.

Substitutions & Variations for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Cooking is all about creativity! Here are some easy substitutions and fun variations for your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake recipe.

Substitutions

• Graham Crackers: Use crushed Oreo cookies or digestive biscuits for a twist.
• Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar, honey, or agave syrup.
• Cream Cheese: Try Neufchâtel cheese, vegan cream cheese, or silky smooth tofu for a lighter option.
• Strawberries: Use other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
• Butter: Replace with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine for a lactose-free crust.

Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted chocolate into the filling before baking.
2. Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
3. Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds into the topping.
4. No-Bake Version: Skip the baking step and chill the cheesecake until set.

Enjoy Your Creative Touch!

Feel free to explore these substitutions and variations. Each tweak can lead to a unique and delicious cheesecake that suits your taste!

Storage and Reheating for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Proper storage keeps your cheesecake delicious for days!

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate:
  • Keep in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
  • Add the crunch topping only when ready to serve to maintain texture.
• Freeze:
  • Wrap individual slices tightly and freze for up to 2 months.
  • Label with the date so you know when to enjoy them by.

Thawing and Serving

• To thaw frozen cheesecake, place in refrigerator overnight.
• For best flavor, let refrigerated cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Not recommended to reheat cheesecake, as it’s designed to be enjoyed cold.

What to Serve with Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Turn your cheesecake into a complete dessert experience with these perfect pairings!

Delightful Beverages

• Coffee: A creamy latte or iced coffee complements the sweet, tangy flavors
• Tea: Chamomile or berry-infused teas enhance the strawberry notes
• Special drinks: Moscato, sparkling rosé, or strawberry lemonade for celebrations

Simple Accompaniments

• Fresh mixed berries or sliced seasonal fruits
• Vanilla bean whipped cream or a small scoop of ice cream
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries for an elegant touch

Presentation Tip

For a beautiful presentation, serve your cheesecake on chilled plates with one or two accompaniments on the side. This creates a visually appealing dessert that lets your cheesecake remain the star while offering complementary flavors and textures.

Remember, the best pairings enhance without overwhelming your delicious creation!

More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake has you craving more seasonal treats, here’s a collection of refreshing summer desserts to try next!

Fruity Favorites

• Berry Trifle: Layers of cake, fresh berries, and custard create an impressive no-fuss dessert
• Peach Cobbler: Juicy peaches topped with cinnamon biscuits capture summer’s best flavors
• Watermelon Sorbet: A light, refreshing treat for the hottest days

Beat-the-Heat No-Bake Options

1. Lemon Icebox Pie: Tangy and cool with zero oven time
2. Coconut Cream Parfaits: Tropical flavors in elegant individual servings
3. Key Lime Cheesecake Bars: Creamy with a zesty twist

Quick Frozen Treats

• Homemade ice cream (no machine required!)
• Mixed berry popsicles with honey
• Frozen yogurt bark with summer fruits and nuts

These desserts feature seasonal ingredients at their peak and require minimal time in the kitchen, perfect for savoring summer while it lasts!

FAQs

What are the strawberry shortcake crunchies made of?

The strawberry crunchies combine crushed golden Oreos or vanilla cookies, freeze-dried strawberry powder, melted butter, and a touch of sugar. This mixture creates that perfect strawberry flavor with a satisfying crunch that makes this cheesecake special.

Is strawberry cheesecake good?

Yes! strawberry cheesecake crunch cake recipe is delicious because the sweet-tart flavor of strawberries perfectly balances the rich, creamy cheese filling. This crunch version adds exciting texture and nostalgic flavor that makes it even more appealing.

What are the three types of cheesecake?

1. New York Style: Dense, rich and creamy – baked in the oven (like this recipe)
2. No-Bake Cheesecake: Lighter texture, sets in the refrigerator
3. Japanese/Cotton Cheesecake: Jiggly, soufflé-like texture that’s light and airy

What do you need for strawberry cheesecake?

For this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, you’ll need:

• Graham cracker crust ingredients (crackers, butter, sugar)
• Cream cheese (room temperature)
• Sugar and eggs
• Vanilla extract and sour cream
• Fresh or preserved strawberries
• Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries for topping
• 9-inch springform pan
• Electric mixer

Happy Cooking.

📖 Recipe

strawberry crunch cheesecake

Clara W.Pawel

This creamy cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth strawberry-infused filling, and signature strawberry crunch topping that perfectly recreates the nostalgic flavor of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Chill Time: 4 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 15 full sheets
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 8oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup strawberry puree about 1 cup fresh strawberries, blended

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 12 golden Oreos or vanilla cookies
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• Optional: white chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

 

Prepare the Crust:

• Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar
• Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan
• Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes, then cool

Make the Filling:

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
• Mix in vanilla and sour cream
• Fold in strawberry puree
• Pour over cooled crust

Bake:

• Bake at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until center is slightly jiggly
• Turn off oven, crack door, and cool for 1 hour
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight

Make Crunch Topping:

• Crush cookies and freeze-dried strawberries separately
• Mix together with melted butter
• Sprinkle over chilled cheesecake just before serving
• Optional: drizzle with melted white chocolate

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 425 per slice
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 7g

Keyword blackberry cheesecake, strawberry crunch cake, strawberry shortcake cheesecake