Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks

These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks are a delicious and visually stunning treat perfect for any occasion. With a creamy cheesecake base, a sweet and crunchy topping, and a tangy strawberry sauce, they offer a balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. These bite-sized treats are a perfect way to enjoy cheesecake in a fun and easy-to-eat form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks recipe is a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements. The cheesecake base is smooth and rich, with a slight tang from the cream cheese, while the graham cracker crust provides a buttery foundation. The strawberry crunch topping adds a fun, crispy layer with the added flavor of golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. The homemade strawberry sauce is the finishing touch, giving each chunk a burst of sweetness. Drizzling with white chocolate enhances both the visual appeal and taste. These cheesecake chunks are the perfect handheld dessert for any party, gathering, or special treat.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Base:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Crunch:

• 1 ½ cups crushed golden Oreos

• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry gelatin mix for color/flavor)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Decoration:

• White chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

• Extra strawberry crunch for topping

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Base:

   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.

   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

   • Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Make the Strawberry Crunch:

   • In a bowl, mix together the crushed golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries (or strawberry gelatin mix), and melted butter. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes). Let the sauce cool.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake Chunks:

   • Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the pan and slice it into chunks or bars.

   • Drizzle the strawberry sauce over each chunk.

   • Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously on top.

   • Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cheesecake chunks for an added decorative touch.

5. Serve:

   • Serve chilled and enjoy! These cheesecake chunks are perfect as handheld treats or can be plated for a more elegant dessert.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 cheesecake chunks, depending on the size you cut them.

• Timing: The prep time is about 30 minutes, with baking time around 40–45 minutes. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Variations

• Flavoring the Cheesecake Base: Try adding a bit of lemon zest or cinnamon to the cheesecake batter for an added flavor profile.

• Other Fruit Sauces: Swap out the strawberry sauce for raspberry, blueberry, or even a mixed berry sauce to suit your tastes.

• Crust Variations: Use other types of cookies for the crust, such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies.

• Topping Variations: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, drizzle with dark chocolate or skip it altogether for a more natural look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cheesecake chunks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: These cheesecake chunks are best served chilled. If you prefer them at room temperature, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. The strawberry sauce and crunch can be stored separately and added right before serving for optimal freshness.

FAQs

How long should I refrigerate the cheesecake before cutting it into chunks?

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure it’s set and firm enough to cut into chunks.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones for the crunch?

Fresh strawberries won’t work well for the crunch layer, but you can substitute freeze-dried strawberries with strawberry gelatin mix for added flavor and color.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs for the crust?

You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even Oreo cookies for a different flavor.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake should be set with a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, or you can gently shake the pan to check if the center is still too liquid.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These cheesecake chunks can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and taste even better the next day.

Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based butter for the cheesecake base and crust to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I freeze the cheesecake chunks?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake chunks for up to 1 month. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. To thaw, leave them in the fridge for a few hours.

Can I skip the strawberry sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can enjoy the cheesecake chunks without the sauce or swap it with a different fruit compote or topping of your choice.

How do I make the cheesecake crust firmer?

If you want a firmer crust, press the graham cracker crumbs into the pan more firmly and bake for a slightly longer time.

How can I make the strawberry crunch topping more flavorful?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little sugar to the strawberry crunch for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks are a delicious, fun twist on a classic cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tangy strawberry sauce, and crunchy topping, these bite-sized treats are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion, they are easy to make and serve, making them a great choice for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy in every bite!