Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated in butter.
3. Press the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the sugar and beat until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, flour, and lemon juice. Beat until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4. Pour the Filling: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks on the surface.
3. Refrigerate: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set completely.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping

1. Cook the Strawberries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook until the strawberries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool before topping the cheesecake.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Top the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spoon the cooled strawberry topping over the top, spreading it out evenly.
2. Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve. Enjoy this creamy, fruity dessert with friends or family!

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Water Bath for Baking: For an ultra-smooth texture, bake your cheesecake in a water bath to prevent it from drying out or cracking.

Conclusion

This Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert that will impress any cheesecake lover. The luscious strawberry topping adds the perfect touch of freshness, making it a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re new to cheesecake baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and produces amazing results every time.