Sweet Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Sweet summer nights call for a decadent strawberry crunch cheesecake that blends creamy richness with unexpected texture.

Layers of smooth cream cheese mingle with a crisp, golden graham cracker base, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible.

Ripe, juicy strawberries weave their vibrant flavor through each delightful bite, promising a symphony of tastes and sensations.

The delicate crunch adds a playful contrast to the silky cheesecake filling, making every forkful a celebration of texture.

Fresh, seasonal strawberries elevate this classic dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

With just a few simple ingredients and some careful technique, you can craft a showstopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this strawberry crunch cheesecake that’s sure to become your new favorite dessert.

FAQs

• Why use Golden Oreos for the crust?

Golden Oreos provide a sweet, buttery base that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly. They create a more delicate and lighter crust compared to traditional chocolate Oreos, allowing the strawberry elements to shine.

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Freeze-dried strawberries are crucial for creating the signature crunch and intense strawberry flavor. Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and would make the crumb layer soggy. Stick to freeze-dried for the best texture and concentrated strawberry taste.

• What prevents the cheesecake from cracking?

The water bath method helps maintain a consistent, gentle temperature while baking. Slowly cooling the cheesecake in the oven with the door cracked prevents sudden temperature changes that cause unsightly cracks.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: Reasons to Indulge

• This strawberry crunch cheesecake transforms a classic dessert into a stunning showstopper that will impress family and friends at any gathering.
• Even home bakers can create a professional-level dessert with simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making it feel like you've picked up a gourmet cake from a fancy bakery.
• The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy Oreo-strawberry topping, and optional fruity sauce delivers a multi-dimensional taste experience that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• The recipe offers flexibility with optional strawberry sauce and allows personal touches, letting bakers put their own creative spin on this delightful dessert.

Everything Needed for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

• Golden Oreos: Classic cookie that forms the buttery foundation of the cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs together and create a solid crust.

• Cream Cheese: Provides the rich and creamy base for the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and create a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Golden Oreos, Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Create a delightful pink crumbly topping with texture and fruity flavor.

• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cheesecake.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to a silky smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural fruity sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry sauce.

Tools to Create Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake at Home

• Springform Pan: 9-inch pan essential for creating and releasing cheesecake without breaking.
• Food Processor: Perfect for crushing Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into crumbs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for blending cream cheese, sugar, and other filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and incorporating ingredients without lumps.
• Roasting Pan: Large pan used for water bath technique during baking.
• Aluminum Foil: Wraps pan bottom to prevent leaks and catch potential butter drips.
• Saucepan: Small pan for preparing optional strawberry sauce.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape bowl edges.

How to Assemble Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 325°F.

Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom with aluminum foil to prevent any potential leaks during baking.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Base

• Crushed Golden Oreos
• Melted butter

Press the mixture evenly into the pan’s bottom.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove and let cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese until completely smooth.

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream
• Flour

Ensure the batter is silky and lump-free.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.

Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water halfway up the sides.

Bake for 55-65 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle when gently moved.

Step 5: Cool Gradually

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for one hour.

Once cooled to room temperature, cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Add the Signature Crunch

• Golden Oreos
• Freeze-dried strawberries

Mix in melted butter until evenly coated.

Sprinkle the pink crumb mixture over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Sauce (Optional)

• Strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook for 5-7 minutes until strawberries soften.

Add cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Allow to cool.

Step 8: Serve and Delight

Remove the springform pan sides.

Slice the cheesecake and drizzle with the homemade strawberry sauce.

Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors!

Helpful Hints for the Perfect Cheesecake Crunch

• Mix Golden Oreo crumbs thoroughly with melted butter to ensure a compact, sturdy base that holds together perfectly when slicing.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheesecake filling that's irresistibly creamy.
• Use hot water in a larger pan to create a gentle, even baking environment that prevents cracks and ensures a velvety texture.
• Pulse Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries coarsely to maintain a satisfying texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
• Let the cheesecake chill overnight to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

New Twists for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Fans

• Gluten-Free Oreo Swap: Replace Golden Oreos with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste or texture.
• Vegan Cheesecake Option: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with cornstarch and aquafaba for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate almond flour for reduced carbohydrates, and select sugar-free freeze-dried strawberries to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Replace Oreo crust with crushed pecans and almond flour, use cream cheese with erythritol, and incorporate MCT oil for a ketogenic-friendly cheesecake that maintains rich, creamy consistency.

Serving Up Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake with Flair

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair this decadent cheesecake with a light mimosa or fresh cold brew coffee to complement its rich strawberry flavor.
• Dessert Plating Elegance: Garnish each slice with fresh strawberry slices, a mint leaf, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Party Sharing Strategy: Cut smaller bite-sized squares for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy multiple desserts without feeling overwhelmed by a large slice.
• Temperature Perfect Moment: Serve slightly chilled, removing from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to ensure the perfect creamy texture and maximum flavor release.

Storing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake the Right Way

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, placing plastic wrap directly on the cut surface to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid leaving cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always keep chilled when not serving.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade strawberry crunch cheesecake promises pure dessert bliss with layers of creamy delight and crisp texture. Strawberry lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic American treat that combines tangy cream cheese and sweet fruit perfection.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cheesecake Base):

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) crushed Golden Oreos
• 10 Golden Oreos
• 10 freeze-dried strawberries
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour

Additional Flavoring and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it and wrapping the bottom with aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
2. Combine crushed Golden Oreos with melted butter, pressing the mixture evenly into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then allow to cool completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla, mixing until well blended.
4. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before the next addition. Gently fold in sour cream, heavy cream, and flour until the batter achieves a silky consistency.
5. Transfer the cheesecake mixture onto the prepared crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides.
6. Bake for 55-65 minutes, looking for a slight jiggle in the center when gently moved. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour.
7. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor development.
8. Create the crunch topping by pulsing Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they form rough crumbs. Mix with melted butter to coat evenly.
9. For the optional strawberry sauce, simmer strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for 5-7 minutes. Incorporate cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, then cool.
10. Remove the springform pan’s sides, slice the cheesecake, and garnish with the prepared strawberry sauce. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Customize Crust Options swap Golden Oreos with graham crackers or gluten-free cookies for dietary variations while maintaining the same delicious texture and crunch.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracks ensure all ingredients are room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smooth batter and reduces the likelihood of surface cracking during baking.
• Stabilize Texture gently tap the pan on the counter before baking to release any air bubbles, resulting in a more consistent and creamy cheesecake interior.
• Make Ahead Friendly this dessert can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg