Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a vibrant, indulgent dessert that blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries and the crunchiness of a buttery, cookie crumble topping. This no-bake cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties. It’s a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic cheesecake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake offers the perfect combination of creamy, smooth cheesecake filling with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. The crispy, crunchy topping adds texture and a delightful contrast to the smooth and rich filling. With minimal effort and no baking involved, this cheesecake is a great choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

For the strawberry crunch topping:

• 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.

   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it firmly down.

   • Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

   • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then add the pureed strawberries and mix until fully combined.

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

3. Prepare the strawberry crunch topping:

   • Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until they form a fine powder, then add the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pulse again to combine.

   • Melt the butter and pour it into the strawberry mixture, pulsing until everything is evenly mixed and the mixture is slightly crumbly.

   • Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cheesecake layer, pressing it lightly with your hands to ensure it sticks.

4. Chill:

   • Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to firm up and the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

   • Once chilled and set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8-10 servings.

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Chilling time: 4 hours minimum (overnight is best)

• Total time: 4 hours and 20 minutes to overnight

Variations

• Berry Mix: Add a variety of fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to the cheesecake filling or as a topping for a mixed berry version.

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cheesecake before serving.

• Nuts: Add crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts to the strawberry crunch topping for a nutty flavor and additional texture.

• Lemon Twist: Add some lemon zest and a little lemon juice to the cheesecake filling to create a light, citrusy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This cheesecake is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

FAQs

Can I make Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. It needs time to chill and set in the fridge, so making it the night before or several hours ahead is ideal.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

How can I make the cheesecake more creamy?

To make the cheesecake filling even creamier, you can add an additional 4 oz of cream cheese or use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer texture.

Can I make this cheesecake in individual servings?

Yes! You can make mini cheesecakes by using muffin tins or individual glass jars. Just layer the crust, cheesecake filling, and topping in each serving and chill as directed.

Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries for the topping?

Freeze-dried strawberries give the topping a unique crunch and concentrated flavor, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with crushed graham crackers or a mixture of crushed cookies and fresh strawberries.

How do I make sure the cheesecake sets properly?

Make sure to allow the cheesecake enough time to chill in the refrigerator. The cheesecake needs at least 4 hours to set, but overnight is best for firming up and developing the flavors.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use another type of gluten-free cookie, like gluten-free shortbread.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping.

Can I use a different type of topping?

Yes! You can experiment with different toppings like crushed cookies, granola, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup to change up the flavor.

Conclusion

Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a combination of rich cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a bit of crunch. With no baking required, it’s a super simple yet elegant treat that will impress your guests. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet ending to your meal, this cheesecake will become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Its refreshing strawberry flavor, creamy texture, and crunchy topping make it a standout dessert that’s hard to resist!

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