Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake: A Dreamy, Creamy Delight!
Indulge in the luxurious taste of this Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake, a dessert that combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the bright, fruity notes of fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this showstopping treat is sure to impress with its velvety texture and stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a decadent dessert, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The secret to this dreamy, creamy delight lies in the smooth cream cheese filling, which is enhanced by a hint of vanilla and a touch of lemon zest. Topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze, each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the luscious filling, making this cheesecake a true crowd-pleaser.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich cream cheese, sweet strawberries, and a hint of citrus.
- Texture: Silky smooth filling with a buttery, crunchy crust.
- Aroma: Fragrant vanilla and fresh strawberries with a subtle lemon zest note.
- Visual Appeal: Stunning pink strawberry glaze atop a creamy white cheesecake.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate bakers will find this recipe manageable with careful attention to detail.
- Special Equipment: Springform pan, stand mixer or hand mixer, and a water bath setup.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake requires some baking finesse, particularly in achieving the perfect texture without cracks.
- Category: Dessert, specifically a no-bake cheesecake variation with a baked twist.
- Cuisine: American-style cheesecake with a fruity twist, inspired by classic New York cheesecake.
- Cost: Mid-range ingredients, with fresh strawberries being the seasonal variable.
- Season: Perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak.
- Occasion: Ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, or as a special weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake offers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that make it stand out from ordinary desserts. The creamy filling melts in your mouth, while the strawberry topping adds a refreshing fruitiness that cuts through the richness. It’s a dessert that satisfies both cheesecake purists and fruit lovers alike.
This recipe provides excellent convenience despite its impressive results. While it does require some chilling time, the active preparation is straightforward. The make-ahead nature of cheesecake makes it perfect for entertaining, as it needs to set overnight. You’ll appreciate how this dessert actually improves with time, allowing you to prepare it well before your event.
Nutritionally, this dessert offers some redeeming qualities amidst its indulgence. Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while the protein in cream cheese offers more satiety than many other desserts. When enjoyed in moderation, this can be part of a balanced approach to sweet treats.
The social value of this dreamy, creamy delight can’t be overstated. Its beautiful appearance makes it centerpiece-worthy, guaranteed to draw compliments from guests. The combination of familiar flavors with elevated presentation makes it accessible yet special, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to formal occasions.
Cost-effectiveness is another advantage. While premium cream cheese forms the base, the other ingredients are relatively inexpensive, especially when strawberries are in season. This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it an economical choice for feeding a crowd compared to store-bought alternatives.
The Recipe
Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 90 mins (plus chilling)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Food processor (for crust)
- Large roasting pan (for water bath)
- Parchment paper
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 4 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water leakage.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest, beating until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour filling over crust. Place springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour hot water into roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool in oven for 1 hour. Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).
- Make the topping: Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. Bring to simmer, stir in cornstarch mixture, and cook until thickened (2-3 minutes). Cool completely before spreading over chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry halves before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
- Substitute raspberries or mixed berries for different flavor variations.
- Cheesecake can be frozen (without topping) for up to 1 month.
