Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cake
Indulge in the irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Cake, featuring creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy topping—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened – This is the base of your creamy cheesecake filling.
- ½ cup sugar – To sweeten the cheesecake filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds that warm comforting flavor.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream – For a luscious velvety texture.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar – To add sweetness and stabilize the whipped cream.
For the Crunchy Cake Layer:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – The key to achieving that irresistible crunch!
- ¼ cup melted butter – Helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the crunch with a hint of sweetness.
- ½ tsp cinnamon optional – Adds a warm, cozy flavor to the crunch topping.
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced – The star of the show! Sweet, juicy strawberries add freshness and a burst of flavor.
- 1 tbsp sugar – To enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream – A dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream to top off your cake.
- Mint leaves – For a fresh colorful touch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Cream the cheese: Begin by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. This is the base of your creamy filling, so make sure there are no lumps.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Slowly add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and the texture is velvety.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This gives your cheesecake layer that light and airy texture.
- Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—this step ensures a fluffy, light cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Make the Crunchy Graham Cracker Crust
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if desired). Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add melted butter: Pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir until the crumbs are fully coated. This will create the crunchy, buttery crust.
- Press into the pan: Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan, or use a regular cake pan. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even, solid crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the cheesecake filling: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the surface for a perfect, creamy layer.
- Top with strawberries: Slice the fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the cheesecake layer. You can get creative with the arrangement—either layer them neatly or scatter them randomly for a more rustic look.
- Chill the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the cheesecake to set, making it easier to slice and giving the flavors time to meld.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Finish with whipped cream: Just before serving, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, you can garnish with mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Slice and serve: Carefully remove the cake from the pan and slice it into wedges. Serve chilled, and enjoy the heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy crust, and fresh strawberries!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 4% DV