Description
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy cheesecake with a sweet and tangy homemade strawberry sauce, creating a marbled effect that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The perfect dessert for any celebration or special treat, this cheesecake will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Sauce:
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (or frozen)
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the strawberries break down.
- Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then add to the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve and set aside to cool.
- Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry sauce on top of the cheesecake.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the sauce into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and add boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the oven door slightly ajar. Remove from the water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the springform pan.
- Serve with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or extra strawberry sauce.
Notes
- Berry Swirl: You can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different swirl.
- Crust Options: For a chocolate twist, use chocolate graham crackers, or try a nut-based crust for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American