Description
Dreamy strawberry swirl cheesecake brings creamy elegance to dessert tables with its luscious pink ribbons and silky texture. Delightful swirls of fresh strawberry sauce promise pure indulgence that will charm guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup (150 grams) fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a gentle temperature of 325°F (160°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the delicate cheesecake.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, stirring thoroughly until the mixture resembles moist, sandy texture that will form a solid foundation for the dessert.
- Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, using firm, even pressure to create a compact and uniform base that will support the creamy filling.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the crumbs to set and develop a light golden color and crisp texture.
- Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely, creating a stable platform for the subsequent cheesecake layers.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by blending the ingredients until smooth and velvety, ensuring no lumps remain to maintain a silky consistency.
- Carefully fold in the strawberry puree, creating elegant swirls throughout the cream cheese mixture to achieve a beautiful marbled appearance.
- Gently pour the strawberry-infused cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and prevent air pockets.
- Bake the cheesecake in the center of the oven, watching carefully to prevent over-browning and maintaining a creamy, delicate texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to set and develop its full flavor profile.
- Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional strawberry sauce for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prevent crust crumbling by pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon or bottom of a measuring cup.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount by half for a lighter dessert option.
- Create a silky smooth texture by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature and beating it thoroughly without overmixing to avoid air bubbles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 397
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg