Name: Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Ingredients: Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.; 1/3 cup melted butter – Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.; 1/4 cup sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the crust, complementing the creamy filling.; Filling: 32 oz cream cheese, softened – The star of the dessert, giving it a rich and dense texture.; 1 1/4 cups sugar – Sweetens the filling, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.; 1 tsp vanilla – Adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cheesecake.; 4 large eggs – Provides structure and stability to the filling.; 1 cup sour cream – Contributes creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the taste.; Strawberry Swirl: 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced – Offers freshness and bright flavor, creating the swirl effect.; 2 tbsp sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.; 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the fruity flavor, adding a zesty kick.

Description

Savor strawberry swirl cheesecake—a rich, creamy dessert featuring a luscious strawberry swirl. Ideal for celebrations or a delightful treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
- 1/3 cup melted butter – Binds the crumbs together and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the crust, complementing the creamy filling.
Filling:
- 32 oz cream cheese, softened – The star of the dessert, giving it a rich and dense texture.
- 1 1/4 cups sugar – Sweetens the filling, balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
- 1 tsp vanilla – Adds a warm, inviting flavor to the cheesecake.
- 4 large eggs – Provides structure and stability to the filling.
- 1 cup sour cream – Contributes creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the taste.
Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced – Offers freshness and bright flavor, creating the swirl effect.
- 2 tbsp sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens the fruity flavor, adding a zesty kick.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the cheesecake after baking.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat 32 oz softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1 tsp vanilla, mixing until well combined. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Fold in 1 cup sour cream gently.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Create the Strawberry Swirl: In a small bowl, blend 1 cup diced fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until the strawberries are well-mashed. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the top of the cheesecake filling. Using a knife, gently swirl the strawberry mixture into the cheesecake filling to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
Cool and Refrigerate: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to fully set.