Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a luscious strawberry swirl running through a velvety cheesecake base. It’s baked to perfection on a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh strawberries for an elegant finish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual dessert, this cheesecake is sure to impress!
Pure Comfort: The Ultimate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Experience
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade cheesecake. The rich, smooth texture combined with the fresh, fruity swirl makes every bite a delightful treat. This cheesecake is made from scratch with simple ingredients, ensuring a high-quality dessert that beats any store-bought version.
Ingredients: What You Need for Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Gather these simple ingredients before you begin:
The Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or shortbread cookie crumbs)
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
The Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
The Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry glaze or preserves
- Whipped cream for garnish
Time to Cook: How Long Does It Take?
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 55 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 5+ hours
- Total Time: 6+ hours
Steps to Make Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice.
- Pour half of the filling over the cooled crust.
3: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine pureed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then swirl spoonfuls into the cheesecake batter.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth out the surface.
4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5: Add the Toppings
- Once chilled, spread strawberry glaze or preserves over the surface.
- Arrange fresh sliced strawberries on top.
- Pipe whipped cream around the edges for a finishing touch.

Make It Perfect: Tips for the Best Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overbeating can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
- Use a water bath: Placing the springform pan in a water bath can help prevent cracking.
Mix It Up: Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the fruit: Try using raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different swirl.
- Gluten-free crust: Use almond flour or gluten-free cookies instead of graham crackers.
- Chocolate twist: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Perfect Partners: What to Serve with Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

- Fresh berries
- A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A cup of coffee or tea
Busy Day Hero: Make This Cheesecake Ahead of Time
Cheesecake actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill. Make it the day before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Work Ahead: Can You Prepare Parts in Advance?
- Crust: You can make and refrigerate the crust a day ahead.
- Strawberry swirl: Prepare the puree up to 3 days in advance.
Save Some For Later: How to Store Your Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Everyone’s Happy: Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
This cheesecake is a hit with kids and adults alike. Its creamy texture and fruity swirl make it irresistible!
Good For You Too: Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: ~380
- Servings: 10-12 slices
Easy Clean Up: Fewer Dishes, Less Mess
- Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pan for easier removal.
- Wipe down mixing bowls immediately to prevent sticky messes.
Switch It Up: Experiment with Different Flavors
- Lemon zest: Add for a refreshing citrus touch.
- Nut crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed almonds or pecans.
Simply Perfect: A Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, this Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a showstopper.
Answering Your Cheesecake Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry swirl cheesecake?
Yes, but fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I make the cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cheesecake tastes even better when chilled overnight.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free crust?
Yes, use gluten-free cookies or almond flour.
What’s the best way to store leftover cheesecake?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I add other fruits to the swirl?
Yes! Try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a fruity twist.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overmixing or sudden temperature changes can cause cracks. Using a water bath can help prevent this.
More Sweet Inspirations
If you’re a fan of creamy, homemade treats, you’ll also love these homemade vanilla desserts that offer simple elegance and classic flavor.
Want more show-stopping cakes? Check out our layered fruit and cream cakes for ideas just as stunning and delicious.
For those who appreciate baked classics, these old-fashioned dessert recipes are just what your sweet tooth ordered.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a dreamy dessert that combines a rich, creamy filling with a fresh strawberry swirl. The buttery crust, fruity topping, and smooth texture make it an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade delight, this cheesecake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Happy Cooking With Mouny Chef ❤️!
Print
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a rich, creamy, and beautifully marbled dessert that combines a velvety cheesecake base with a luscious strawberry swirl. The cheesecake sits on a buttery graham cracker crust, creating the perfect balance of textures. Finished with fresh strawberries and a glossy strawberry glaze, this homemade cheesecake is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the crust, graham cracker crumbs are combined with melted butter and granulated sugar to create a firm,flavorful base.
The cheesecake filling is made with softened cream cheese,
granulated sugar,
eggs,
vanilla extract,
sour cream,
and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
The strawberry swirl consists of pureed fresh strawberries,
sugar,
cornstarch,
and lemon juice, which are cooked to create a thick and vibrant sauce.
For the topping, fresh strawberries and strawberry glaze or preserves add a final touch of sweetness, while whipped cream creates an elegant garnish.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming an even crust. Bake for eight minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
To make the strawberry swirl, combine pureed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and cook for about three to five minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture onto the cheesecake filling and use a toothpick or skewer to swirl it into a marbled pattern. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth the surface.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 55 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool inside with the oven door slightly open for an hour. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
Once fully chilled, spread strawberry glaze or preserves over the top and arrange fresh sliced strawberries for a decorative touch. Pipe whipped cream around the edges for an elegant finish.
Notes
Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth and creamy filling. Overmixing the batter can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps prevent cracks and promotes even baking. Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and texture, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One slice (out of 10-12 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: Varies depending on additional toppings
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cheesecake, Strawberry Swirl, Dessert, Baked Cheesecake, Creamy Cheesecake