Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

I love this Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake—it combines a creamy, velvety cheesecake with fresh strawberries and a delightful crunchy topping. It’s both elegant and playful, perfect for dessert lovers craving fruit and texture in each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this cheesecake balances rich, silky cream cheese with the bright sweetness of strawberries and a satisfying crunch on top. It’s serve-ready for special occasions but totally manageable on a weekend. It brings freshness, indulgence, and a satisfying crunch all in one slice.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Granulated sugar (for crust)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Granulated sugar (for filling)

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Vanilla extract

• Eggs

• Fresh strawberries, chopped

• Freeze-dried strawberry crunch or crushed strawberry cereal

• Fresh strawberry slices for garnish

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and line or grease a springform pan.

2. In a bowl, I combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.

3. I bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then let it cool while I prepare the filling.

4. In a large bowl, I beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.

5. I add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.

6. I gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries, careful not to overmix.

7. I pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggly.

8. I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour to prevent cracking.

9. Once cooled, I chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

10. Before serving, I sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry crunch (or crushed strawberry cereal) over the top and decorate with fresh strawberry slices.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 generous slices

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Bake Time: 50 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour at room temperature + at least 4 hours in fridge

• Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (including chill time)

Variations

• Mixed berry version: I fold in blueberries and raspberries alongside the strawberries.

• Lemon twist: I add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy brightness.

• Nutty crunch: I top with chopped toasted almonds or pecans instead of strawberry crunch.

• Chocolate drizzle: I melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over each slice for extra richness.

• Gluten‑free option: I use gluten‑free graham crackers (or almond flour crust) to make it safe for gluten‑sensitive guests.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover cheesecake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. If I want to serve it slightly less chilled, I let slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying. I don’t recommend freezing once topped with crunchy cereal, as it can get soggy—if needed, I freeze plain cheesecake slices (without topping) for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

### Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

I always refrigerate it overnight—making it a day ahead actually improves the texture and flavor melding.

### How do I avoid cracks on the surface?

I cool it gradually: after baking, I let it rest with the oven door cracked for an hour. That gentle cooling helps prevent cracking.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best for texture and appearance. If I use frozen, I thaw and drain them well before folding into the filling to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best cheesecake pan to use?

I prefer a 9‑inch springform pan—it allows for easy removal and neat presentation.

Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes—I often use Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and slightly lighter texture.

Conclusion

I love making this Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake—it feels special but stays easy enough for home baking. With creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and a playful crunch on top, each slice is a delight. Whether celebrating or just treating myself, this cheesecake always brings big smiles.

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