Strawberry Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust & Strawberry Glaze

This Strawberry Cheesecake is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. A buttery graham cracker crust forms the foundation for a rich, velvety cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious strawberry glaze. Fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity brightness, making this dessert both indulgent and refreshing. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Cheesecake Flavor: Creamy and rich without being overly heavy.
Fresh & Fruity: Strawberry glaze and fresh berries brighten every bite.
Easy to Assemble: Simple steps for a dessert that looks impressive.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill in advance for easy entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Optional Topping:

• Fresh strawberry slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until fully combined.

3. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off oven, slightly crack the door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking. Then transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook until strawberries release juices. If a thicker glaze is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened. Let cool to room temperature.

5. Assemble & Serve
Pour strawberry glaze over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with fresh strawberries. Slice and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 20g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth, creamy cheesecake without lumps.
• Avoid Overbaking: Slight jiggle in the center is perfect; cheesecake will firm as it chills.
• Prevent Cracks: Use a water bath or let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven.
• Glaze Variations: Puree strawberries for a smoother glaze or leave slices whole for texture

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberry glaze provides a perfect balance of richness, tang, and sweetness. Each slice is elegant, indulgent, and bursting with flavor—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a special treat at home.

Strawberry Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust & Strawberry Glaze is a timeless dessert that combines creamy texture with fresh, fruity brightness. Easy to make ahead and visually stunning, it’s ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, or any time you want a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.