This Strawberry Cheesecake is hands-down one of the best youโll ever makeโsilky, creamy, and crowned with the best strawberry topping thatโs even better than it looks. Created by a true cheesecake aficionado, this recipe is packed with expert tips, foolproof techniques, and make-ahead options to ensure success. Youโll also find mouthwatering variations and everything you need to create a show-stopping, bakery-worthy dessert at home.
Iโm always excited for spring and summer because itโs synonymous with strawberry season!ย Some of our favorite strawberry desserts include strawberry pie,ย strawberry shortcake,ย strawberry shortcake cake,ย strawberry syrup,ย strawberry cream cheese pie and of course this strawberry cheesecake!
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How to make strawberry cheesecake video


STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE RECIPE
Strawberry Cheesecake has to be the most quintessential cheesecake, second only to New York Cheesecake, but itโs even more delicious in my opinion! ย This recipe elevates plain cheesecake (thatโs already stand-alone fabulous) and dresses it up with the most sensational strawberry topping that youโve ever tasted.
Strawberry Cheesecake has to be the most quintessential cheesecake, second only to New York Cheesecake, but itโs even more delicious in my opinion! ย This recipe elevates plain cheesecake (thatโs already stand-alone fabulous) and dresses it up with the most sensational strawberry topping that youโve ever tasted.
This recipe is ideal for every spring and summer gathering because itโs make-ahead friendly and will have everyone swooning.ย Serve it up at holidays like Easter, Motherโs Day, Fatherโs Day and 4thย of July, events like baby showers, bridal showers and birthday parties, and every pool party, potluck and barbecue in between. ย Add a big dollop of fresh cream and heaven awaits!

What makes this Recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake the BEST

Strawberry Cheesecake Re

Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe Ingredients
Letโs take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
cheesecake graham cracker base
Every cheesecake needs a buttery base that complements, yet doesnโt distract from, the decadent filling.ย Iโve stuck with Honey Graham crackers to keep the crust delish but neutral so the cheesecake can shine.ย To make it as simple as processing the crackers into crumbs, then combining them with sugar and butter.ย You will need:ย
- Graham crackers:ย 14 whole graham cracker sheets or a scant 2 cups crumbs of your favorite cookies/crackers.
- Butter:ย ย Salted or unsalted butter will work in the crust. ย
- Sugar:ย Granulated sugar please.
CHEESECAKE FILLING
The cheesecake filling is incredibly smooth, rich, and creamy. The addition of sour cream and one extra egg yolk makes the filling extra creamy, and the addition of lemon zest adds the perfect pop of sunshine to cut through the richness. ย And the best part โ making the filling is the easiest part of the entire recipe!ย ย Hereโs what youโll need:
- Cream cheese:ย I used full-fat cream cheese, but it will also work with less fat. Remember, less fat = less flavor and creaminess. Please do NOT use nonfat cream cheese.
- Sour cream:ย ย Please use full-fat sour cream at room temperature. It will make your cheesecake luxuriously creamy and prevent it from drying out.
- Sugar:ย ย Granulated sugar will sweeten the cheesecake filling while allowing the lemon flavor to shine.
- Eggs:ย ย Use four large eggs and one large egg yolk (so you will need a total of five eggs).ย The eggs bind the cheesecake together, and the extra yolk makes it extra creamy.ย Take care that your eggs are at room temperature.
- Lemon zest:ย The zest of one lemon adds a pop of citrus to cut through the richness. Lemon zest is the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon peel. Use a microplane or a box grater for grating. Make sure to stop grating at the yellow part, as the white underpart (pith) is extremely bitter.
- Vanilla extract:ย ย Use quality extract for best results.

STRAWBERRY TOPPING FOR CHEESECAKE
Most cheesecake recipes donโt use enough strawberries, which always leaves you wanting more! Instead, this Strawberry Cheesecake is brimming with fresh strawberries coated in an irresistible, sweet, fresh strawberry glaze.ย This strawberry topping combines fresh strawberries with a hint of strawberry Jell-O to enhance the fresh strawberry flavor while maintaining a natural, fresh taste. It also rewards you with a glaze that isnโt runny or stiff, but just thick enough to coat the strawberries.ย You will need:
- Fresh strawberries: 2 pounds of fresh, ripe strawberries.ย It may seem like a lot, but the ratio is perfect for the rich and creamy filling.
- Sugar:ย Use granulated sugar to make the syrup-like coating.
- Jell-O:ย Strawberry Jell-O adds sweet strawberry flavor, but will not make the texture thick and Jell-O-like.ย Please donโt omit this ingredient, or the water/sugar/cornstarch ratios will be off.
- Cornstarch:ย Thickens the strawberry glaze.
- Lemon juice:ย ย Brightens the glaze and enhances the strawberry flavor.ย Fresh or bottled is fine.
WHIPPED CREAM
You donโt have to add whipped cream to the Strawberry Cheesecake, but I love the ethereal lightness it brings.ย You can use stabilized whipped cream (so it can be added ahead of time) or just plain whipped cream with the same ingredients, but omit the unflavored gelatin and water.ย
So, what is this magical stabilized whipped cream?ย If you make traditional whipped cream and pipe it onto the cheesecake, it will deflate, or even worse, it will be weeping within the hour.ย Stabilized whipped cream, however, will hold its shape long after the last bite of cheesecake is gone (it holds indefinitely).
Stabilized whipped cream is made by dissolving unflavored gelatin in water then whipping it into the heavy cream to give it structureย butย it doesnโt alter the flavor. To use this stabilized whipped cream, pipe it onto the cooled cheesecake any time and either serve or pop it back in the refrigerator, avoiding any last minute stress.

What Pans do I Need for Cheesecake?
โขSpringform pan:ย You will need one 9-inch springform pan; alternatively, a 10-inch springform pan can be used, but be prepared to reduce the baking time.ย A springform pan is tall enough to hold the cheesecake, and most importantly, it springs open, allowing the outside of the pan to be removed.ย This will enable you to remove the cheesecake and slice it easily.
โขRoasting pan:ย ย Place the springform pan inside the roasting pan, then pour water around the cheesecake to create a water bath. This prevents the cheesecake from cracking (more on the science below).ย ย
โขWhat if I donโt have a largeย roasting pan?ย You can purchase a large, disposable foil pan from the grocery store for around a dollar if you donโt have a roasting pan. ย I suggest double-stacking two pans because they are quite flimsy and can buckle under the pressure of the water.ย Take care to use oven mitts and two hands when removing the pans from the oven so you donโt lose your cheesecake! ย


Cheesecake (Strawberry) Variations
I donโt recommend straying from the cheesecake recipe as baking is science and can go wrong very quickly, but you can make adjustments to the crust or strawberry topping. Here are a few ideas:


WHAT IS A WATER BATH AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT WHEN BAKING A CHEESECAKE?
A water bath may sound exotic but it simply means baking the cheesecake in springform pan set in a larger roasting pan surrounded by hot water. Cheesecakes require a water bath so the cheesecake doesnโt crack.ย Hereโs how it works:
1. The water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly.ย The hot water insulates the outer edges of the cheesecake so the edges donโt bake more quickly than the middle.ย This ensures even baking throughout and lessens the likelihood of the cheesecake cracking, sinking, puffing up, darkening or curdling.
2. A water bath creates a moist environment.ย This is important because cheesecakes are egg-heavy. Eggs need steam caused by the humid environment to properly rise and avoid drying out or burning, which again causes cracking.

HOW TO WATER PROOF CHEESECAKE SO IT DOESNโT LEAK!
The springform pan needs to be waterproofed so water from the water bath doesnโt seep through the bottom of the springform pan and soak into the cheesecake. Just surrounding the pan with foil, however, is not foolproof.ย If you use my two-step waterproofing technique, however, I guarantee you wonโt have any leaks!

If you combine these two steps, your Strawberry Cheesecake will be 100% leak proof โ winning!ย If you donโt add the liner in step 2, then I suggest 2 more layers of foil around your springform pan.


HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE
Letโs take a closer look at how to make this recipe, complete with step-by-step photos (the full recipe is available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post). There are quite a few steps, but each one is simple, and you can make them at different stages/parts of the day(s) if you wish:
STEP 1:ย HOW TO MAKE THE CRUST
- Grind Graham crackers:ย ย First, youโll want to make crumbs by either pulsing the Graham crackers in your food processor or crushing in a sealable bag with a rolling pin/side of a can.ย You want very finely ground crumbs because they stick together better.
- Combine crumbs, sugar and butter:ย If you use your food processor, simply add the sugar and butter directly to the processor and process until the crumbs are moistened.ย If you donโt have a food processor, add the crumbs, butter and sugar to a bowl and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Make the crust:ย Transfer the moistened crumbs to your lightly greased springform pan and press firmly into the bottom of the pan in an even layer using a small bowl or bottom of a measuring cup. This helps the crust stay intact and not crumble when sliced.ย But donโt compact the crumbsย too muchย or the crust will crack when you slice the cheesecake.ย
- Bake the crust:ย Bake the crust at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes then allow it to cool while you make the cheesecake filling.ย Baking the crust before adding the cheesecake allows it to seal together and cooling the crust before adding the cheesecake prevents it from becoming soggy.


STEP 2:ย HOW TO MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
- Beat cream cheese and sugar:ย Making the cheesecake filling is so easy, the mixer literally does all the work! ย Beat the cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment for 4 minutes then add the sugar and beat an additional 5 minutes. You donโt want to shortcut the process for the creamiest filling. If you donโt have a stand mixer, than an electric hand mixer will also work.
- Add sour cream and lemon zest:ย ย Add the sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla, and beat until blended.
- Add eggs:ย Add the eggs one at a time followed by the egg yolk, beating as little as possible because overbeating eggs can cause cracks and the cheesecake to deflate.
- Assemble the cheesecake:ย ย Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust. Drop the pan on counter a few times to get rid of any air bubbles.

STEP 3:ย HOW TO MAKE THE WATER BATH
- Add cheesecake to roasting pan:ย Place the waterproofed cheesecake in a roasting pan then place the roasting pan in the oven.ย I like to place the roasting pan in the oven before adding the water bath or else the pan can become heavy and the water can slosh around and threaten to get in your cheesecake while you transfer it.
- Make water bath:ย To add the water, use a glass liquid measuring cup or pitcher (something with a spout) to carefully pour in enough boiling water around the cheesecake until it reaches halfway up the side of the springform pan. Make sure to add the water slowly to the corner of the pan so none of it gets on your cheesecake.ย

STEP 4:ย HOW TO BAKE THE CHEESECAKE
- Bake the cheesecake:ย Bake the cheesecake at 325 degrees F for 70-85 minutes or until edges are firm and the center 2-3 inches of the cheesecake is still wobbly.
HOW TO KNOW WHEN A CHEESECAKE IS DONE
Cheesecake is the creamiest when not overbaked.ย You donโt want to bake the cheesecake until completely firm in the middle or it will be overcooked by the time it cools, resulting in dry, heavy, far less creamy cheesecake.ย Instead, bake the cheesecake until the outside is firm and the center of the cheesecake barely jiggles.ย
What does this look like? Gently shake theย cheesecakeย wearing oven mitts so you donโt burn yourself. ย If theย outside of the cheesecake is firm and only a small 2-3-inch circle in the center jiggles slightly, itโsย done.ย If the jiggling circle is larger than a few inches, then bake on.
The baking time can vary due to the differences in ovens, baking pans, beating times, etc., so make sure to check the cheesecake at 70 minutes then add additional time as needed.ย
STEP 5:ย HOW TO COOL THE CHEESECAKE
- Cool cheesecake in the oven:ย Turn off your oven and crack open the oven door. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 60 minutes.
- Cool cheesecake on the counter:ย Remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath and place it on a cooling rack on the counter.
- Loosen cheesecake: ย Run a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then run it along the edges of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan.ย This helps prevent cracking so the cheesecake doesnโt stick to the sides of the pan as it slightly constricts.ย Unclamp the springform pan.
- Cool cheesecake completely:ย Continue to cool the cheesecake for 2-3 hours on the counter or until the cheesecake is completely cooled.
- Refrigerate overnight:ย Cover the cheesecake with foil or transfer to a cake caddy with a lid and chill in the refrigerator overnight, but best if 24 hours.

STEP 6:ย how to make strawberry topping for cheesecake
- Blend strawberries:ย Add 1 cup of the least unattractive strawberries to a blender along with a bit of water then puree until smooth.
- Thicken puree:ย Add the puree to a small saucepan along with cornstarch, sugar and a pinch of salt; whisk to dissolve the cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until reduced and thickened to a thick syrupy consistency.
- Add Jell-O:ย Transfer the glaze to a large bowl and stir in strawberry gelatin and lemon juice followed by sliced strawberries.
- Chill:ย Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until ready to top the cheesecake.ย Once cool, adjust thickness to make it the right consistency if needed by stirring in a tiny touch of water if you would like it thinner. ย ย


STEP 7:ย HOW TO MAKE WHIPPED CREAM
You can make stabilized whipped cream or traditional whipped cream. ย I am a huge fan of stabilized whipped cream because it means I can make the dessert 100% ahead of time and leftovers stay picture perfect. Making stabilized whipped cream is the same process of traditional whipped cream, just with the easy added steps of dissolving the gelatin in water and microwaving it.
- Optional step for stabilized whipped cream:ย Add unflavored gelatin to a microwave safe bowl then pour the cold water over top; let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer the gelatin mixture to the microwave and microwave for 20 seconds. Stir the mixture, then set aside to cool.
- Whip cream to soft peaks:ย While youโre waiting for the gelatin to cool, youโll mix heavy cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl until it thickens and forms soft peaks (the whipped cream folds over when you lift the beaters out of the bowl). ย
- Add gelatin:ย Once youโve reached the soft peak stage, youโll slowly pour the gelatin mixture in as youโre mixing the whipped cream and continue to mix until the whipped cream forms stiff peaks (the whipped cream stands straight up and doesnโt fold over when you lift the beaters out of the bowl).
- Add topping:ย You can pipe the stabilized whipped cream onto the room temperature Strawberry Cheesecake before you pop it into the fridge or any time after that.ย The beauty of stabilized whipped cream is it will hold its shape indefinitely. ย If using regular whipped cream, top the cheesecake just before serving.

STEP 8:ย ย ASSEMBLE
- Add strawberries:ย Pile the strawberries high over the cheesecake, leaving a border for the whipped cream if using (below), or add the whipped cream first and then pile in the strawberries.ย
- Add whipped cream:ย Pipe the whipped cream around the outer edges of the cheesecake and garnish with mint if desired.
STEP 9:ย ย HOW TO SLICE CHEESECAKE
- Use a hot knife:ย Using a hot knife is crucial for clean cuts as the hot knife glides right through the cheesecake. Fill a large glass with hot water, then dip the knife in the hot water before each cut. Wipe knife clean with a paper towel after each cut, then repeat.
- DEVOUR!


Tips for this Cheesecake Strawberry Topping

Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake Tips
Here are a few more helpful techniques that ensure the perfect cheesecake every time:

HOW TO PREVENT YOUR CHEESECAKE FROM CRACKING
If you follow this recipe, your cheesecake will not crack.ย Here are the rules to follow for success:ย
- Use a water bath:ย As previously mentioned, the hot water insulates the outer edges of the cheesecake, so the edges donโt bake faster than the middle.
- Room temperature ingredients:ย Room temperature eggs, sour cream and softened cream cheese allow them to mix more easily which means youโre less likely to overbeat the eggs which causes cracking (more on that below).ย
- To quicklyย bring eggs to room temperature: Fill a bowl with warm water (not hot) and addย eggsย and let sit 10-20 minutes.
- Donโt overbeat eggs:ย ย Eggs trap air, which can rise up and cause cracks and/or the cheesecake to deflate, so mix the eggs/cheesecake filling as little as possible once theyโre added.
- Grease the pan:ย Spraying the entire spring form pan with cooking spray ensures the cheesecake doesnโt stick to the sides of the pan which can cause cracks as it constricts while baking. ย ย
- Donโt peak!ย ย It is paramount that you donโt open the oven while your cheesecake is cooking before 70 minutes to prevent cracking.ย Opening the door causes drafts which dramatically lowers the temperature โ the culprit of large cracks and a sinking center.
- Donโt overbake:ย Overbaking the cheesecake causes the filling to shrink and crack.ย You want the edges to be firm but the center to wobble slightly when shaken. If there is no wiggle, the cheesecake is overbaked and likely to crack.
- Cool gradually:ย Sudden changes in temperature can cause cracks so allow the cheesecake to cool down gradually first in in the oven and then on the counter before placing it in the refrigerator.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR CHEESECAKE CRACKS?
If you follow the above tips for success, you shouldnโt have any cracks!ย If you happen to have a crack in your cheesecake, cover the entire surface with strawberries and no one will know!


HOW TO MAKE AHEAD
You can completely assemble, bake, and chill the Strawberry Cheesecake ahead of time, or prep different elements of the recipe ahead of time. Hereโs how:
โขCrust:ย Bake, cool, then cover with foil 24 hours before filling. No need to refrigerate.
โขCheesecake:ย Beat the cheesecake ingredients together, cover, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the filling come to room temperature, then whisk it before layering it onto the cooled crust just before baking.
โข Strawberry topping: Can be stored in theย refrigeratorย for up to 12 hours.ย ย
โขStabilized whipped cream:ย Can be whipped and added to a piping bag 1-2 days before use and stored in the refrigerator.
โขCheesecake:ย Can be made 48 hours ahead of time and tightly covered in the refrigerator. Add the strawberry topping when ready to serve or a few hours before serving.


Storing Strawberry Cheesecake
The cheesecake without the strawberries will store up to 7 days, but is at its prime 24-48 hours after making. Once the strawberries are added, it is best served the same day.ย
I like to use a cake container to cover the cheesecake so I can pipe on the whipped cream and cover it without smooshing the topping. If you donโt have a cake container, you can use a large inverted bowl or tent with foil.
ย
HOW TO FREEZE
I do not recommend freezing the strawberry topping because the strawberries will become mushy, but you may freeze the cheesecake itself:
1. Cool cheesecake completely and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
2. Freeze uncovered on a baking sheet until firm.
3. Wrap cheesecake in plastic wrap, followed by heavy-dutyย aluminum foil and finally in a large heavy duty freezer bag.
4.Freeze for up to 2 months.
5.To thaw, remove cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator.ย Let thaw overnight.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY CHEESECAKE RECIPES?
- Key Lime Cheesecake
- Lemon Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Blueberry Cheesecake
- Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Eggnog Cranberry Cheesecakeย
- German Chocolate Cheesecake

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Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake
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Ingredients
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
- 1 9-inch round 2 3/4โ high springform pan
- 1 slow cooker liner or oven roasting bag (optional but HIGHLY recommended)
- 18-inch wide heavy duty aluminum foil* (optional IF using slow cooker liner)
- 1 large roasting pan
- parchment paper
- nonstick cooking spray
CRUST
- 14 full sheets honey Graham crackers (2 scant cups crumbs)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
CHEESECAKE FILLING
- 4 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, very soft (full fat is best)
- 1 ยผ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream at room temperature
- zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
STRAWBERRY TOPPING
- 2 pounds strawberries, hulled, divided
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin (powdered Jell-O)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
WHIPPED CREAM (OPTIONAL)
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (optional see notes)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water (optional see notes)
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
PREP
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Begin boiling a large pot of water (about 4 quarts) for the water bath (you may not need all of it).
- Line the bottom of a 9" springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the inside of your entire pan with nonstick cooking spray. (The parchment will allow you to transfer your cheesecake later.)
CRUST
- Add Graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until finely ground (or crush in a bag with a rolling pin). Add butter and sugar and pulse (or stir) until evenly combined.
- Add to the greased springform pan and firmly press the crumbs down on the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a small bowl or measuring cup until you have a compact, even layer.
- Bake crust at 325 degrees F for 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. (You can prep filling while the crust bakes and cools.)
WATERPROOF PAN
- Waterproofing step 1: Place 2 large 18" x 18" pieces of aluminum foil on a flat surface underneath the pan in the form of a โ+.โ Gently fold (to make sure you don't create any holes) up the sides of the foil around the pan. If you don't add the bag in the next step, then double wrap the foil.
- Waterproofing step 2 (optional but HIGHLY recommended): Place foil lined springform pan in the bottom of a slow cooker liner or oven roasting bag. Bring the liner bag up to the top of the pan then gather excess to one side and tie it in a knot.
CHEESECAKE FILLING
- Add cream cheese to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes (no less!). Add sugar and beat 5 additional minutes on medium speed.
- Add the sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla and salt and beat until blended. Add the eggs one at a time followed by the egg yolk, beating as little as possible, just until combined after each addition (overbeating once you add the eggs can cause cracks and the cheesecake to deflate).
- Pour mixture onto cooled crust. Drop the pan on counter a few times to get rid of excess air bubbles.
WATER BATH
- Place cheesecake in a large roasting pan then place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Using a glass liquid measuring cup or pitcher, carefully pour in enough boiling water (add it low in the corner of the pan) until it reaches halfway up the side of the springform pan.
BAKE
- Bake the cheesecake at 325 degrees F for 70-85 minutes or until edges are firm and the center 2-3 of the cheesecake is still wobbly. (DONโT open door before 70 minutes, this can cause cracks.)
CHILL
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open about 1-inch. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 60 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack.
- Gently run a hot knife along the edges of the cheesecake and unclamp the cheesecake (to prevent cracking). (To quckly heat knife, you can dip it in the hot water bath water.) Continue to cool for 2-3 hours on the wire rack or until the cheesecake is completely cooled.
- Cover the cheesecake with foil or transfer to a cake caddy and chill in the refrigerator overnight, best if 24 hours.
STRAWBERRY TOPPING
- The cheesecake topping is best served fresh, the same day it is assembled, after allowing to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Add 1 cup hulled strawberries (use the least attractive ones) and ยผ cup water to a blender and puree until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Add puree to a small saucepan along with sugar, cornstarch and salt; whisk to dissolve the cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly, until reduced and thickened to a thick syrupy consistency.
- Transfer to a large bowl and stir in strawberry gelatin and lemon juice. Slice strawberries in half and stir into the glaze.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until ready to top the cheesecake. Once cool, you can adjust the consistency if you would like it thinner by stirring in water ยฝ tablespoon at a time.
Assemble
- Pile the strawberries high over the cheesecake, leaving a border for the whipped cream if using (below), or add the whipped cream first and then pile in the strawberries.
WHIPPED TOPPING
- Optional for stabilized whipped cream: Add unflavored gelatin to a microwave safe bowl then pour the cold water over top; let stand for 5 minutes. Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir the mixture, then set aside to cool while you beat the heavy cream.
- Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Whip using an electric hand mixer just until soft peaks form.
- Turn the mixer to low and slowly pour in the gelatin mixture. Mix until well combined then increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a large tip. You can pipe the stabilized whipped cream onto the room temperature cheesecake before you pop it into the fridge or any time after that. The beauty of stabilized whipped cream is it will hold its shape indefinitely. If using regular whipped cream, top just before serving.
Video
Notes
- *Foil: ย You can use regular foil instead of 18ร18 if using a slow cooker liner as well.ย
- Stabilized whipped cream:ย ย Allows you to make the cheesecake 100% ahead of time!ย Stabilized whipped cream is heavy cream that has been whipped with sugar and gelatin in order to give it structureย butย it doesnโt alter the flavor โ itโs magic!ย It can be added to the cheesecake at any point after itโs cooled and it wonโt deflate or weep and will hold its shape long after the last bite of cheesecake is gone.ย ย
- Unflavored gelatin:ย Isย a common baking ingredient and can be found next to the packages of Jell-O and pudding at your grocery store. It is what makes this โstabilizedโ whipped cream and not just whipped cream.
- Room temperature ingredients:ย Room temperature eggs, sour cream, lemon juice and softened cream cheese allow them to mix more easily which means youโre less likely to overbeat the eggs which causes cracking (more on that below).ย
- Donโt overbeat eggs:ย ย Eggs trap air, which can rise up and cause cracks and/or the cheesecake to deflate, so mix the eggs/cheesecake filling as little as possible once theyโre added.
- To quicklyย bring eggs to room temperature: Fill a bowl with warm water (not hot) and addย eggsย and let sit 10-20 minutes.
- Donโt overbake:ย Overbaking the cheesecake causes the filling to shrink and crack.ย You want the edges to be firm but the center to wobble slightly when shaken. If there is no wiggle, the cheesecake is overbaked and likely to crack.
HOW TO MAKE AHEAD
You can completely assemble, bake and chill the Strawberry Cheesecake ahead of time or prep different elements of the recipe ahead of time, hereโs how:- Crust:ย Bake, cool then cover with foil 24 hours ahead of filling. No need to refrigerate.
- Cheesecake:ย ย Beat the cheesecake ingredients together, cover and chill for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the filling come to room temperature, then give it a whisk before layering onto the cooled crust just before baking.
- Strawberry topping: ย Can be stored in theย refrigeratorย for up to 12 hours.ย ย
- Stabilized whipped cream:ย Can be whipped and added to a piping bag 1-2 days before using and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cheesecake:ย Can be made 48 hours ahead of time and tightly covered in the refrigerator. Add the strawberry topping when ready to serve or a few hours before servings.
HOW TO STORE
- The cheesecake without the strawberries will store up to 7 days but is at its prime 24-48 hours after making. Once the strawberries are added, it is best served the same day.ย
- I like to use a cake container to cover the cheesecake so I can pipe on the whipped cream and cover it without smooshing the topping. If you donโt have a cake container, you can use a large inverted bowl or tent with foil.ย
HOW TO FREEZE
I do not recommend freezing the strawberry topping because the strawberries will become mushy, but you may freeze the cheesecake itself:- Cool cheesecake completely and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Freeze uncovered on a baking sheet until firm.
- Wrap cheesecake in plastic wrap followed by heavy dutyย aluminum foil and finally in a large heavy duty freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, remove cheesecake from the freezer to the refrigerator.ย Let thaw overnight.
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Sonal says
First of all, I love your recipes. I have several on rotation. Q: Can I half the ingredients and make a smaller cake?
Jen says
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as needed.