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