There's nothing quite like sinking your fork into a slice of creamy, dreamy Strawberry Cheesecake. The luscious, velvety cheesecake pairs perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust and a homemade strawberry topping that's just bursting with fresh berry flavor.

I first made this recipe to impress my friends at a summer picnic, and it was love at first bite! Now, it’s the dessert everyone asks me to bring, no matter the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to making cheesecakes, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ready to create a showstopping dessert that’ll make you the star of any gathering? Let’s get started.
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cheesecake. It's more than just a pretty dessert – it’s a crowd-pleaser that wins hearts with every silky bite.
First, this cheesecake is incredibly easy to make, even if baking isn’t your forte. With my step-by-step instructions, you’ll have it ready for the oven in no time, and no water bath is needed to achieve that perfect, smooth texture.
The strawberry topping is a true game-changer. Made with fresh strawberries and just a hint of lemon, it adds a bright, fruity contrast to the rich, creamy filling. Plus, the vibrant color makes it stunning to serve at parties or family dinners.
Lastly, you’ll love how well this cheesecake holds up. Make it a day in advance, and it’ll only get better as the flavors meld together overnight, making it a perfect dessert for entertaining or a special weekend treat.
So, whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply want to treat yourself, this cheesecake is a guaranteed hit that you'll make over and over again.
Ingredients Notes

The key to a perfect Strawberry Cheesecake lies in using quality ingredients and understanding how each component brings magic to the dessert.
Graham Crackers: The crust starts with crushed graham crackers for that classic, buttery base. You can substitute with digestive biscuits or even gingersnaps if you want to add a bit of spice.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Low-fat versions won’t give you the same luxurious mouthfeel, so it’s worth sticking to the full-fat kind for this indulgent treat.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tartness of the cream cheese. You’ll also use a bit in the strawberry topping to highlight the berries' natural sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: The strawberry topping is best with fresh, ripe strawberries, but you can use frozen ones in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to simmer them a bit longer to evaporate the extra liquid.
Sour Cream: Adding sour cream gives the cheesecake a subtle tang and keeps the filling from being overly sweet. It also helps achieve that smooth, velvety texture.
You'll also need a springform pan to make sure the cheesecake comes out perfectly, and some aluminum foil to line the bottom in case of any leaks.
How To Make This Strawberry Cheesecake

Creating this stunning Strawberry Cheesecake is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process so you can bake with confidence.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted butter and ¼ cup sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 (8-ounce) packages of room temperature cream cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup of sugar and beat until combined. Next, add 1 cup of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks. Once cooled, transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake chills, prepare the topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 pound of chopped strawberries, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cook, stirring constantly, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely before spreading over the chilled cheesecake.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spoon the cooled strawberry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it to the edges for a gorgeous finish. Slice and serve to awe-struck guests, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Storage Options
Proper storage ensures your Strawberry Cheesecake stays as fresh and delicious as possible.
Refrigerate: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, though it’s unlikely it’ll last that long!
Freeze: You can also freeze this cheesecake for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-Ahead Tip: Cheesecakes are perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, they taste even better the next day after chilling in the fridge, as the flavors become more pronounced.
To reheat a slice, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can soften the crust.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is its versatility, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Berry Swirl Cheesecake: Instead of the strawberry topping, puree mixed berries and swirl them into the cheesecake batter before baking. You’ll get a gorgeous marbled effect and a burst of berry flavor in every bite.
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: Add ¼ cup of melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake filling and top with chocolate-covered strawberries for an extra-decadent dessert.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Lemon Cheesecake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cheesecake batter and use lemon juice in the strawberry topping for a bright, citrusy twist.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. With a little creativity, you can create the perfect cheesecake for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake recipe features a perfectly creamy texture and sweet, fresh strawberries, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours (includes cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Fresh strawberries
- Strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and bake until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Top with fresh strawberries and a layer of strawberry jam before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
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