Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a luscious dessert featuring a creamy, smooth cheesecake base with a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce swirled throughout. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, while the water bath baking method ensures a silky, crack-free finish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines fresh strawberries with classic cheesecake flavors for an irresistible treat.
- Author: Rico
- 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 Strawberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the strawberries soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Puree the Strawberries: Use a potato masher or fork to break the strawberries into a puree.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until thickened.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain if a smoother sauce is desired.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: 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: Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Mix in Remaining Filling Ingredients: Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the prepared crust, smoothing the top.
- Add Strawberry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cooled strawberry sauce onto the cheesecake. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the sauce into the filling, creating a marbled effect.
- Prepare 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 (this prevents cracking).
- 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.
- Remove from Water Bath and Cool: Remove from the water bath and cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for the best texture.
- Release from Pan: Run a knife around the edges of the pan before releasing the springform.
- Serve: Slice and serve with additional strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries for garnish.
Notes
- Using a water bath ensures gentle, even cooking and helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven minimizes shrinking and cracking.
- For a smoother strawberry sauce, strain out the seeds after cooking.
- Make sure all cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the cheesecake texture and flavor.
Keywords: Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, Strawberry Sauce, Cheesecake Recipe, Water Bath Baking, Dessert, Cream Cheese Cake