This Easy Cheesecake Recipe is perfect for beginners! There is something special about a classic cheesecake. It’s smooth, creamy and has just the right amount of sweetness. But when topped with fresh strawberries and the strawberry preserve, it takes this dessert to the next level.
I love a good cheesecake and if you’ve read my previous cheesecake blogs you probably would have figured that out. I mean it’s no secret. It’s so delicious and did I mentioned that it’s one of my favorite desserts.
There are so many different versions of cheesecake, like the Red Velvet Cheesecake and the Sweet Potato Cheesecake. The list goes on, But I thought to myself why not share the classic cheesecake recipe?
The strawberries shown in the photo are the topping, and the cheesecake is a classic cheesecake with a graham crackers crust. The graham cracker crust is easy to make and tries in the overall taste of the cheesecake.
If you are someone that ever felt intimidated by baking cheesecake, no worries. this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. But I have to admit that the process takes a little longer due to the many steps. But no worries because this recipe is super easy to make and the results are worth the process.
What is Cheesecake?
Cheesecake is a dessert made of blocks of cream cheese mixed with eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and sugar and baked in a springform pan, then placed in a preheated oven to create a sweet baked dessert. Cheesecakes vary in consistency from very soft to quite firm. They may be made with other ingredients such as chocolate, raspberries, or nuts, depending on what you’re going for.
What makes this Cheesecake so wonderfully delicious?
Could it be the rich, creamy filling? the buttery graham crust? Or maybe the fresh strawberries? Although the strawberries tangy taste adds a really special touch, its perfectly balanced the sweetness. Every layer of this cheesecake plays a role in making it so delicious.
Some may say that the cream cheese filling is the star, while others absolutely love the sweet-tart topping. In my opinion I think the combination of all these elements makes this cheesecake incredibly delicious. I think that we all agree that the cheesecake itself will always be the star of the show.
Ingredients Needed
(Please see recipe card for measurements)
Crust
- Graham Crackers
- Butter (Melted)
- Brown Sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese
- Granulated Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Sour Cream
- Lemon Juice
Strawberry Preserves
- Fresh Strawberries (sliced)
- Strawberry Preserve (store bought)
- Lemon Juice
Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients– Through trial and error I learned that is is much easier to set the cream cheese, eggs and sour cream out on the counter to come up to room temperature. The cream cheese is much easier to mix and break down into a more smooth creamy texture.
- Crust – The crust should be light and airy. I use a food processor but if you do not have one place the graham cracker in a zip lock bag and crush the crackers using a rolling pin or by hand until a fine dust/sand-like texture.
- Cream Cheese Filling – Use full-fat cream cheese to get the decadent richness of the cheesecake. Mix cream cheese first for 2 to 3 minutes before adding in the eggs. Use 3 whole eggs and 1 egg yolk. Add in one egg at a time while mixing to allow the egg to fully absorb into the batter.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Equipment
- Mixer Stand or Hand Mixer
- Springform Pan 9' or 10' Pan
Ingredients
Cheesecake
- 4 8oz Cream Cheese Room Temperature
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 4 Eggs Room Temperature
- 2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Sour Cream Room Temperature
- 2 tbsp. Lemon Juice
Crust
- 2 cups Graham Crackers
- 5 tbsp. Melted Butter Unsalted
- 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups Strawberries Rinsed and Sliced
- ¼ cup Strawberry Preserves
- 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
Instructions
Crust
- Start by Preheating the oven to 350° F. Line the bottom of the Springform pan with parchment paper. If you are not using a non-stick Springform pan then:(spray all around the pan with a non-stick baking spray)
- In a bowl add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter. Mix until well combined.
- Add the crust mixture to the pan and press firmly using your hand or spoon. Bake in the oven for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool.
Cheesecake
- In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Mix the cream cheese using a hand or stand mixer until semi-smooth texture.
- Add the Sugar Vanilla Extract, and Sour Cream, and add in the eggs the ingredients until all are combined. in the eggs one by one.
- Transfer the Cheesecake filling to the prepared springform pan. place pan in the already heated oven to bake for 1 hour. Then turn the oven off and allow the cheesecake to remain in the oven for an additional 25 minutes.
- When there's a slight jiggle in the center of the cheesecake then that means that the cheesecake is done. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 3 hours then cover with foil and place in the fridge to chill and set overnight. Next day Enjoy!
Strawberry Syrup
- In a small saucepan add the strawberry preserves, strawberries, water, and lemon juice. simmer for 15-20 minutes over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally and turn to low heat. Simmer and cover for additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool down.
