If you have a soft spot for all things sweet, creamy, and fruity, you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe. It brings together the rich, velvety smoothness of classic cheesecake with a bright, fresh strawberry topping and finishes off with a satisfyingly crisp crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. This dessert is the perfect celebration of textures and flavors, making it a sure hit whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just treating yourself on a quiet night in. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe, it will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward, simple ingredients that each play an essential role in building the perfect Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe. From the buttery crust to the luscious filling, and from the fresh strawberries to the crunchy topping, every component is carefully selected to deliver amazing flavor and texture.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides a buttery, slightly sweet base that holds the crust together perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling for balanced flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and crumble topping.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling, giving it that irresistible creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the filling with warm, inviting notes.
- Eggs: Provides structure and creaminess to the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and smoothness to the filling.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Offers a natural sweetness and vibrant color topping the cheesecake.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry topping with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry topping for just the right consistency.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crumble topping, providing structure and a soft crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble.
- Rolled oats: Gives the crumble topping a wonderful texture and wholesome bite.
How to Make Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch springform pan or lining it with parchment paper. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then stir in the melted butter until it looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to create a solid, flavorful base that will hold up to the creamy topping. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Create the Cheesecake Filling
Next, it’s time to work on that luscious cream cheese filling. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until totally smooth and fluffy — don’t rush this step because the texture makes all the difference. Add the vanilla extract, then one egg at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream last for added creaminess and a slight tang that balances sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour your cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re aiming for a center that’s set but still jiggles a bit when you gently shake the pan. This ensures a perfect creamy texture once cooled. Let the cheesecake come to room temperature before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake cools, prepare the fresh strawberry topping. Combine sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan and gently simmer until the mixture thickens and the strawberries release their juices. Stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water to help thicken it further, then remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and rolled oats together in a bowl until the texture is crumbly and perfectly textured. This topping will provide that irresistible crunch that contrasts delightfully with the soft cheesecake and juicy strawberries.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
Once both the cheesecake and strawberry topping are cooled, spread the strawberry mixture evenly on top of your cheesecake. Then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the strawberries. This layered finish is what truly makes this Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe so special.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Pop your cheesecake into the refrigerator for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight. This gives everything time to meld together and allows the cheesecake to firm up to the perfect slicing consistency.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the sides of your springform pan, slice with a clean knife, and get ready to delight in each bite of this heavenly dessert.
How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe, consider adding fresh whole strawberries or a sprig of mint on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy touch. For a more refreshing side, a small bowl of mixed berries or a fruity sorbet complements the dessert perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce on the plate. Using clear glass plates can highlight the colorful layers, and a few edible flowers scattered around can make your dessert look like a work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Cheesecake is best served cold, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture after refrigeration, let the slice sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before preparing the topping to avoid a watery consistency.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs in the crust?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work wonderfully as alternatives and provide a similar buttery and slightly sweet base.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and you can gently shake the pan to see the center jiggle slightly—that wobble means it will finish setting perfectly as it cools.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust and ensure the oats in the crumble are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to prepare this cheesecake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, the Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe benefits from some resting time in the fridge to let flavors meld, so making it a day ahead is highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe is one of those desserts that brings pure joy with every bite. Its perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy makes it not just delicious but memorable. You owe it to yourself to try making it soon—it’s a reward in dessert form that everyone will rave about.
Print
Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 5h 30m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake combines a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious homemade strawberry compote and a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures, this cheesecake is baked to perfection and chilled for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the crumble topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. Set aside.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in sour cream until the filling is homogeneous and creamy.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Cook strawberry topping: While the cheesecake cools, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Thicken strawberry topping: Dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then stir this slurry into the simmering strawberries. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the topping thickens. Remove from heat and cool.
- Prepare crumble topping: In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and rolled oats until crumbly. Set aside.
- Add strawberry topping: Once the cheesecake and strawberry topping have cooled, gently spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the cheesecake.
- Add crumble topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry layer.
- Chill cheesecake: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up properly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve your decadent Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling free of lumps.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; frozen can be used but will alter texture.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool fully before adding the strawberry topping to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Refrigerate overnight to achieve the best texture and flavor development.
- Use a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging it.
