Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheese Cake

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups Golden Oreos (crushed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped until stiff peaks form)
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin (optional, for extra firmness)
• 1/4 cup cold water (for blooming gelatin, if using)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 1 cup Golden Oreos (crushed)
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Make the Crust:
   • Combine crushed Golden Oreos and melted butter.
   • Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
   • Chill in the fridge while making the filling.
2. Prepare Strawberry Topping:
   • In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
   • Cook over medium heat until it thickens into a jammy consistency.
   • Let it cool completely.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
   • (Optional) Bloom the gelatin in cold water, then melt it and stir into the cream cheese mixture.
   • Fold in whipped cream gently until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
   • Spread half of the cheesecake filling over the crust.
   • Swirl in some of the cooled strawberry topping.
   • Spread the remaining filling on top and smooth it out.
   • Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Make the Crunch Topping:
   • Combine crushed Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter.
   • Sprinkle generously over the top of the cheesecake before serving.
6. Final Touch:
   • Garnish with extra strawberries, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or whipped cream if desired!

Let me know if you want this in a printable or more visual format too! 🍓💖