If you are on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the delightful sweetness of strawberries, look no further than the best baked strawberry cheesecake. This luscious treat combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety filling that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to holiday gatherings or even just a weekend treat. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create the perfect balance between tangy cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Not only is this dessert visually stunning, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Plus, making this baked strawberry cheesecake is simpler than you might think, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to shine in the kitchen. By following my step-by-step instructions, you will master this classic dessert in no time.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed graham crackers to form a solid base for your crust.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together and adds richness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling; adjust according to taste.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; it forms the creamy base of your cheesecake.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess; choose full-fat for best results.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smooth filling without lumps.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for topping; they add freshness and color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased springform pan.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In another large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to mix. Then incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures that your filling remains light and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake It

Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in center.

Step 5: Cool Down

Once baked, turn off the oven and crack open its door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool inside for an additional hour before removing it from the oven.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate for at least four hours before serving—overnight chilling yields even better results.

Transfer slices onto plates and garnish with fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

If Possible Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing cream cheese and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend smoothly into a perfect filling.
Baking Time Varies: Every oven is different; monitor closely as baking times may vary slightly based on individual appliance performance.
Add Fresh Strawberries Last Minute: For optimal freshness and appearance, add strawberries right before serving to maintain their vibrant color.

How to Serve The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake

This The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the creamy cheesecake.
Fresh Strawberries: Topping the cheesecake with sliced strawberries enhances its fruity flavor and gives a vibrant look.
Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings provides a rich contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Store the crust in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the filling. This allows flavors to develop and saves time on baking day.
Storing: Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Reheating: To reheat, let the cheesecake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can alter its creamy texture.

FAQs for The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake:

What makes The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake unique?

The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake stands out due to its creamy texture and the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. This cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust that complements the soft filling made with fresh strawberries. Unlike no-bake versions, baking enhances the flavors, creating a rich dessert that holds its shape beautifully. The addition of sour cream adds depth to the taste while ensuring that it remains light on the palate. Each slice delivers a delightful experience, making it a favorite at gatherings or special occasions.

How do I prepare the crust for The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake?

To prepare the crust for The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake, start by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine these crumbs with melted butter and a touch of sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your springform pan, ensuring it’s compact for stability. Bake it in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling to ensure that it sets properly and maintains its structure throughout baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries in The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake if fresh ones are unavailable. However, it’s essential to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture to prevent your cheesecake from becoming too watery. While fresh strawberries provide vibrant flavor and color, thawed berries can still yield delicious results when blended into the cream cheese mixture or used as a topping after baking.

How long does The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake need to cool?

After baking The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake, allow it to cool at room temperature for about one hour. Following this initial cooling period, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least four hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the cheesecake to set properly, enhancing its texture and flavor. Serving it chilled will provide a refreshing taste and make each slice easier to cut.

What toppings pair well with The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake?

A variety of toppings can complement The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake beautifully. Consider adding freshly sliced strawberries on top for a burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of strawberry sauce or chocolate ganache can elevate the presentation and taste even further. Whipped cream adds an airy touch that balances the richness of the cheesecake perfectly. For added texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or nuts over the top before serving.

How can I store The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake?

To store The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake properly, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it’s fully cooled and set in the refrigerator. It can last up to five days when stored correctly in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture and flavor retention.

Conclusion for The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake:

The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake is truly a delightful dessert that combines creamy goodness with fresh strawberry flavors. By carefully preparing both the crust and filling, you create a wonderful treat ideal for any occasion. Remember that using fresh ingredients enhances taste while allowing proper cooling ensures perfect texture. With various topping options available, you can customize each slice according to your preference, making this recipe versatile as well as delicious. Enjoying this cheesecake will undoubtedly impress your guests and become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!

The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

Author: julia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 10

Print Recipe

Description

The Best Baked Strawberry Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that marries creamy cheesecake with the bright flavor of fresh strawberries. This stunning treat features a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual dinners, this cheesecake is sure to wow your guests and keep them coming back for seconds. With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert that boasts an explosion of flavors.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 16 oz cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 3 large eggs

– Fresh strawberries for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl; press into a greased springform pan.

2. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth; gradually add sugar, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract.

3. Incorporate eggs one at a time until fluffy.

4. Pour filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.

5. Cool in the oven for an hour, then refrigerate for at least four hours before serving with fresh strawberries on top.

Notes

– For best texture, use room temperature ingredients.

– Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g