Strawberry-Topped Classic Cheesecake 🧀🍓

When it comes to timeless desserts, few can rival the creamy indulgence of a classic cheesecake. Add a crown of glossy, sweet strawberries, and you have a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. 🍓✨ This Strawberry-Topped Classic Cheesecake is the perfect showstopper for birthdays, dinner parties, and holiday tables. Smooth cream cheese filling sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with luscious strawberry glaze and fresh berries. 😍

Why This Cheesecake is a Classic

• Rich & creamy: A silky filling made from cream cheese, eggs, and sugar.
• Beautiful finish: Topped with strawberries for a fresh, fruity contrast.
• Versatile: Works for any celebration, from casual family dinners to weddings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 200 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 32 oz cream cheese, softened (900 g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (240 g)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, helps stabilize)

For the Strawberry Topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (300 g)
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves (120 g)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream (and flour if using). Pour over the crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake in a water bath (pan wrapped in foil, set inside a roasting pan with hot water) for 55–70 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping

Warm strawberry jam with lemon juice until smooth. Spread over chilled cheesecake. Arrange fresh strawberries on top. 🍓

Chef Tips

• Ina Garten: “Room-temperature ingredients make a smoother batter and prevent lumps.”
• Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overbeat your eggs; it traps air and causes cracks.”
• Bobby Flay: “Add a touch of lemon zest to the filling for a fresh, bright note.”
• Ree Drummond: “If you don’t have a water bath, place a pan of hot water on the rack below the cheesecake.”

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Health & Safety Considerations

• Always use pasteurized eggs to avoid foodborne illness.
• Store cheesecake in the refrigerator; keep covered for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped.
• Allow cheesecake to chill overnight to prevent collapsing when cut.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, but a homemade graham cracker crust is sturdier and more flavorful.

2. How do I prevent cracks?

Use a water bath, avoid overmixing, and let the cheesecake cool gradually.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead?

Yes! It tastes even better after resting overnight.

4. What if I don’t like strawberries?

Swap with blueberries, raspberries, or even a chocolate ganache topping.

5. Can I freeze cheesecake?

Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

6. Should ingredients be room temp?

Yes, room-temperature cream cheese and eggs ensure a smooth batter.

7. Do I need flour in the filling?

It’s optional; it helps prevent cracking but slightly changes texture.

8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works as a tangy substitute.

9. How do I slice cheesecake cleanly?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe between cuts.

10. What’s the best pan?

A springform pan is essential—it makes removing the cheesecake easy and professional-looking.

Related Recipes on Fresh Toner Hungar

• Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
• Fruit-Topped Desserts
• Classic Holiday Desserts

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry-Topped Classic Cheesecake is elegance in dessert form—creamy, decadent, and bursting with fresh berry sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a special birthday, or just to treat yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-level results with love baked right in. 🍓❤️