Indulge in a luscious no-bake cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety strawberry filling, and a sweet-tart crunchy topping. Perfect for summer parties or holiday desserts!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 ½ cups freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packs) softened cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
For the Strawberry Sauce (Optional):
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and graham crackers in a food processor into crumbs.
- Mix with sugar and melted butter. Set aside.
3. Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and strawberry puree.
4. Bake & Chill
- Pour filling over the crust. Tap to remove bubbles.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until the center jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let cool for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for 4+ hours (overnight preferred).
5. Add Topping & Serve
- Sprinkle strawberry crunch over the chilled cheesecake.
- For the sauce (optional): Simmer strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until thickened. Drizzle on slices.
Pro Tips for Success
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Use fresh strawberries for the puree or thaw frozen ones.
- Crust Swap: Substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or pretzels for a twist.
- Smooth Texture: Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to avoid lumps.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Craving savory? Try this Homemade Mexican Pizza.
- For a protein-packed meal, whip up Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls.
Why This Recipe Works
This strawberry crunch cheesecake balances creamy richness with a tangy, crunchy topping. The optional strawberry sauce adds a gourmet touch, while the make-ahead steps ensure stress-free entertaining. Share it at potlucks, birthdays, or as a festive weekend treat!