Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the fruity freshness of strawberries. This dessert not only looks stunning with its beautiful red swirls but also offers a perfect balance of flavors. The smooth and velvety texture of the cheesecake paired with the crispness of the buttery graham cracker crust makes every bite an indulgence. Whether served at a special occasion or as a weekend treat, this homemade cheesecake is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Swirl:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Preparing the Crust:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact crust.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.

Making the Strawberry Swirl Sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool before using.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until well combined.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated.
  4. Stir in the sour cream and mix gently to create a smooth, lump-free batter.

Assembling and Baking:

  1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Spoon the strawberry swirl mixture over the cheesecake filling in small dollops.
  3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry mixture into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect.
  4. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
  5. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
  6. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour with the door slightly open.

Chilling and Serving:

  1. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  3. Once chilled, release the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice into pieces.
  4. Serve as is or garnish with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra flavor.

This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy this homemade delight as a show-stopping dessert for any occasion!

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