Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch (Printable)
Layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and sweet crispy topping create this luscious summer dessert.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust & Crunch Topping
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
→ Cheesecake Filling
06 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
→ Strawberry Layer
10 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
11 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
03 - Spread half of this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes until slightly golden and crisp. Let cool completely. Reserve the other half for layering.
04 - In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until creamy.
05 - In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
06 - In a small bowl, combine diced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss and set aside for 10 minutes to macerate.
07 - To assemble: In a 9x9-inch dish or individual serving glasses, layer as follows—half the baked crunch, half the cheesecake filling, the fresh strawberry mixture, the remaining cheesecake filling, and finally, top with the reserved unbaked crunch mixture, and sprinkle with white chocolate chips if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between creamy cheesecake and that crispy strawberry-infused crunch is absolutely magical
- It looks fancy enough for dinner parties but comes together in under an hour
- You can make it ahead and pull it out right when guests arrive
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable or you'll end up with lumpy filling
- The unbaked crunch on top might seem strange but it creates this incredible texture contrast
- Don't skip the chilling time or the layers will slide when you try to serve it
03 -
- Crush your freeze-dried strawberries while they're still in the bag to contain the powder
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping the cream for faster, more stable results