Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake with a Magic No-Bake Twist
This no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake features a creamy filling and fresh strawberry glaze, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Equipment
- Springform pan
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz Cream Cheese Use full-fat for the best texture
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with preferred sweetener
- 3 large Large Eggs At room temperature
- 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative
- 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract Homemade extract is a great substitute
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Optional for a classic flavor
For the Crust
- 2 cups Graham Crackers (crushed) Try gluten-free if needed
- 1/2 cup Butter (melted) Coconut oil for non-dairy
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Regular salt can suffice in a pinch
For the Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup Strawberry Preserves Can substitute with raspberry preserves
- 2 tbsp Water or Lemon Juice Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor
For Garnish
- 1 cup Sliced Strawberries Opt for seasonal berries for best results
Instructions
Crust Preparation
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes until slightly golden.
Cheesecake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Baking the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter into your prepared crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle.
- Check for doneness, as overbaking will affect the texture.
Cooling Properly
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour.
- This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks from forming.
Prepare Strawberry Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberry preserves and a splash of water or lemon juice. Heat gently over medium heat until warm and syrupy.
Assembling the Cheesecake
- Once cooled completely, spread the warm strawberry glaze generously over the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Notes
Optional: Top with fresh whipped cream or additional sliced strawberries for a lovely touch. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.