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Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Creamy, Crunchy Delight

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – Creamy, Crunchy Delight

Description

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake! If you’re a fan of strawberries, cream cheese, and delightful layers of flavor, this recipe is for you. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this strawberry dessert will wow your guests and loved ones. The perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity, this cheesecake is not only a showstopper but also incredibly easy to make. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream, whipped

For the Strawberry Mousse Layer:

  • 1 cup strawberry preserves
  • ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
  • ½ cup vanilla wafer crumbs

For the Topping:

  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making the base of your cheesecake. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated with butter, creating a texture that can be pressed into the base of the cheesecake. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Once set, refrigerate the crust while you prepare the fillings. This helps the crust firm up before you add the cream cheese layer.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s essential to have the cream cheese fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. Once combined, fold in 2 cups of whipped heavy cream, gently mixing it into the cream cheese mixture to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Spread half of this creamy mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the springform pan.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Mousse Layer

Next, spread 1 cup of strawberry preserves over the cream cheese layer. The sweetness of the preserves perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese, adding a fruity depth to the cheesecake. After spreading the preserves, carefully spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out for an even finish.

Step 4: Add the Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberries with ½ cup of vanilla wafer crumbs. This creates a strawberry-flavored crunch that mimics the coating of classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the cheesecake, adding a fun and crispy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Refrigerate

For a final touch, garnish the cheesecake with fresh strawberries. The bright red of the strawberries adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight to allow all the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and heavy cream are fresh for a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Chill Time is Key: Be sure to let the cheesecake set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier.
  • Strawberry Substitutions: If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries on hand, you can substitute with more crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers, though the strawberry flavor may not be as pronounced.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/strawberry-crunch-cheesecake-creamy-crunchy-delight/