Classic Strawberry Cheesecake: A Showstopping Dessert
Learn how to make a creamy, dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake! This recipe features a pecan-graham cracker crust, a classic cheesecake filling, a sour cream topping, and a vibrant strawberry glaze.
Ingredients
CRUST:
- 3/4 cup ground pecans
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
FILLING:
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1-1/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
TOPPING:
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
STRAWBERRY GLAZE:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 jar (12 ounces) strawberry jelly
- 3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or lemon juice
- Red food coloring, optional
- 1 quart whole fresh strawberries, halved
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the ground pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the filling over the crust.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake until the filling is almost set, 45-50 minutes. The center should still be slightly wobbly.
4. Prepare and Add the Topping:
- Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, for the topping, combine the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the topping evenly over the cheesecake.
- Return to the oven for 5 minutes.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.
6. Make the Strawberry Glaze:
- Several hours before serving, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add the strawberry jelly and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the jelly is melted and the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from the heat; stir in the liqueur (or lemon juice) and, if desired, food coloring.
- Cool to room temperature.
7. Assemble and Serve:
- Just before serving, loosen and remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the cheesecake.
- Spoon the glaze over the berries, allowing some to drip down the sides of the cake.
- Serve immediately.
Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/classic-strawberry-cheesecake/