Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp (¾ stick) melted unsalted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup mashed fresh strawberries (plus 1 tbsp for color swirl if desired)
For the Crunch Topping:
1 cup crushed cornflakes or granola
¼ cup packed brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until each is fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed strawberries until the mixture is smooth and evenly pink.
4. Pour Into the Pan
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking—it will firm up as it cools.
Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
6. Chill Thoroughly
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow the filling to fully set.
7. Make the Crunch Topping
While the cheesecake is chilling, combine crushed cornflakes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture clumps together slightly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve cold. Garnish with extra strawberries or a mint leaf for a beautiful presentation.