Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: A Dreamy, Creamy Dessert

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If you love the nostalgic taste of strawberry shortcake bars combined with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is your new favorite dessert! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth strawberry cheesecake filling, and a crunchy strawberry cereal topping, every bite is pure bliss.

Perfect for special occasions, summer parties, or just because, this cheesecake is easier than you think and guaranteed to impress. Letโ€™s make it!

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

โœ” Creamy & Crunchy โ€“ The perfect contrast of textures!
โœ” Strawberry Loverโ€™s Dream โ€“ Fresh strawberries in every layer.
โœ” No Water Bath Needed โ€“ Simple baking method for a crack-free top.
โœ” Great for Make-Ahead โ€“ Chill overnight for stress-free serving.

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

For the Crust

  • 1 ยฝ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
  • ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ยผ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

For the Crunch Topping

  • 1 cup strawberry-flavored cereal (like Golden Crunch or Frosted Strawberry Mini-Wheats)
  • ยผ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ยผ cup granulated sugar

For the Strawberry Sauce (Optional)

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until moistened.
  3. Press firmly into the panโ€™s bottom and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.

Pro Tip: Use a flat-bottomed cup to press the crust evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth (no lumps!).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  3. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until combined.
  4. Gently fold in strawberry pureeโ€”donโ€™t overmix to keep it fluffy!

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Pour filling over the cooled crust.
  2. Bake 50-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
  3. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool inside for 1 hour (prevents cracks!).
  4. Chill in the fridge at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Step 4: Make the Crunch Topping

  1. Crush the strawberry cereal into small pieces (not powder).
  2. Mix with melted butter and sugar until coated.
  3. Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 5: Strawberry Sauce (Optional)

  1. In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until jammy.
  2. Cool before drizzling.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve!

  1. Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan.
  2. Sprinkle the crunch topping over the top.
  3. Drizzle with strawberry sauce (if using).
  4. Slice and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake

๐Ÿ”น Room Temperature Ingredients โ€“ Prevents lumps in the filling.
๐Ÿ”น Donโ€™t Overbake โ€“ The center should wobble slightly when shaken.
๐Ÿ”น Chill Thoroughly โ€“ For the creamiest texture, refrigerate overnight.
๐Ÿ”น Use Fresh Strawberries โ€“ Frozen can make the filling watery.

Variations & Swaps

๐Ÿซ Chocolate Twist โ€“ Add a chocolate ganache layer under the crunch topping.
๐Ÿ‹ Lemon-Strawberry โ€“ Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
๐ŸŒฑ Gluten-Free โ€“ Use gluten-free graham crackers and cereal.
๐Ÿฆ Ice Cream Pairing โ€“ Serve with vanilla bean ice cream!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy filling.

What if I donโ€™t have strawberry cereal?

Use vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies mixed with freeze-dried strawberry powder.

How long does it last?

Up to 5 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen (without topping).

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert thatโ€™s surprisingly simple to make. The juicy strawberries, creamy filling, and crispy topping create a magical flavor combo thatโ€™ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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