Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Press into the Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

4. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in Sour Cream: Gently fold in the sour cream until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

8. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
10. Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

11. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the freeze-dried strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly and the strawberries are finely ground.
12. Top the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the top.