Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a luscious dessert featuring a creamy cream cheese filling with a vibrant strawberry sauce beautifully swirled throughout. The graham cracker crust provides a buttery, crunchy base that complements the smooth texture of the cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, this classic dessert combines fresh strawberry flavor with rich cheesecake for a delightful treat.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Prepare the strawberry sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries soften, about 5-7 minutes. Use a potato masher or fork to break the strawberries into a puree. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain if a smoother sauce is desired.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) for optimal cheesecake baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until just combined, taking care to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drop spoonfuls of the cooled strawberry sauce onto the cheesecake surface. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
- Create a water bath: Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish. Fill the dish with 1-2 inches of hot water to create a water bath, which helps prevent cracking during baking.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent sudden temperature changes that could crack the cake.
- Finish cooling: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve the best texture.
- Release and serve: Run a knife around the edges of the pan before releasing the springform. Slice and serve with additional strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries for garnish.
Notes
- For a smoother strawberry sauce, strain the mixture before swirling into the cheesecake.
- Do not overmix the filling to keep the cheesecake light and creamy.
- The water bath is crucial to prevent cracks and ensures even baking.
- Allowing the cheesecake to chill overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter and to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: strawberry swirl cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberry sauce, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake dessert