Description
Deliciously creamy cheesecake chunks with a crunchy strawberry topping, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups crumbs from graham crackers
- 1 1/2 cups golden Oreo cookies, crushed (optional)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for the crust)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry Jell-O powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the topping)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- White chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
- More strawberry crunch mix, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it lightly. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish and bake for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is slightly set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- For the topping, combine chopped fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into squares. Top with the strawberry mixture, drizzle with melted white chocolate, and sprinkle with extra crunch mix before serving.
Notes
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. You can use store-bought crusts to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American