Strawberry Dream Cheesecake – A Luscious Dessert You’ll Love

Velvety smooth, refreshingly fruity, and beautifully layered—this Strawberry Dream Cheesecake delivers everything you love about a classic cheesecake with a light and airy twist. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any time you want to indulge in something sweet without going overboard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Fruity: Bursting with natural strawberry flavor in every bite
Creamy but Light: Uses light cream cheese and Greek yogurt for richness with less fat
Visually Stunning: A beautiful presentation with a pink strawberry swirl
Great for Entertaining: A make-ahead dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 3/4 cup light graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1 tsp sugar substitute

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute (or preferred sweetener)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer

• 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen strawberries
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sugar substitute

Optional Topping

• Extra sliced strawberries for garnish
• Light whipped topping or Greek yogurt swirl

Instructions

Make the Crust

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sweetener in a bowl.
• Press into the bottom of a parchment-lined 7- or 8-inch springform pan.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Strawberry Purée

• Blend strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener in a blender or food processor until smooth.
• Set aside for swirling into the cheesecake.

Mix the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
• Add Greek yogurt, sweetener, egg, and vanilla; mix until creamy and well combined.

Assemble and Swirl

• Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
• Drop spoonfuls of strawberry purée onto the surface and use a knife to swirl.
• Tap the pan gently to release any air bubbles.

Bake and Cool

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
• Remove and let cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 140 | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Swirl Gently: Don’t overmix the purée into the batter to keep the design distinct.
• Cool Gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly prevents cracks.
• Chill Well: It firms up as it cools, so don’t rush the chilling process.

Why This Recipe Works

• Smart Ingredient Swaps: Lighter dairy and a touch of sweetener keep things indulgent but balanced.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Nothing artificial here—just real fruit delivering natural sweetness.
• Elegant Look, Simple Method: Achieves a fancy finish with beginner-friendly steps.
• Portion-Friendly: Each slice feels satisfying without being too heavy.

Strawberry Dream Cheesecake is a perfect marriage of light, creamy texture and vibrant berry flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better—and it proves that delicious can still be mindful.