Most Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake is a classic dessert that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. Here’s a delicious strawberry cheesecake recipe for you:Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces (3 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the topping)

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact the crumbs.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove it and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
4. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until the filling is smooth and velvety.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked graham cracker crust.

For Baking:

1. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Fill the roasting pan with hot water to create a water bath that will help prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
2. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 1-2 hours to cool gradually.
4. Once the cheesecake has cooled in the oven, remove it and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

For the Strawberry Topping:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down and release their juices.
2. If you want a thicker topping, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add it to the strawberry mixture and stir until it thickens.
3. Allow the strawberry topping to cool, then spread it over the chilled cheesecake before serving.

To Serve:

Slice and serve your strawberry cheesecake, and enjoy this delicious dessert with a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry topping. You can also garnish with additional fresh strawberries or whipped cream if desired.