**Post Time – Prep Time:** 30 minutes, **Bake Time:** 1 hour, **Total Time:** 6 hours (including cooling and setting time)
# Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Indulge in your sweet cravings with Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. This irresistibly delicious cheesecake is the perfect mixture of creamy, fruity, and crunchy texture that is every dessert lover’s dream!
## Why make this recipe
When strawberries meet cheesecake, magic happens! The freshness of the strawberries perfectly balances the rich cream cheese making this dish an explosion of flavors. This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is not only beautiful to look at but is also a gastronomic delight.
## How to make Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Making this super-yummy cheesecake involves three steps –
1. Making the base crust
2. Preparing the filling
3. Arranging the toppings
## Ingredients
### For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
### For the filling:
– 24 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
### For the topping:
– 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
– 1/4 cup strawberry jelly
### For the crunch:
– 1/2 cup granola
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
## Directions
Please follow these step-by-step instructions to get your perfect Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake!
### Prepare the Crust:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
### Make the Filling:
1. Beat together cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Now add and mix the vanilla extract.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, remembering to mix after each addition.
4. Stir in sour cream and chopped strawberries until just combined.
5. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
### Bake the Cheesecake:
1. Bake for 1 hour or until the center is set.
2. After turning off the oven, crack open the oven door and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
3. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least four hours (or overnight).
### Prepare the Topping & Crunch:
1. Arrange sliced strawberries over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
2. Melt strawberry jelly in a small saucepan over low heat and brush it over the strawberries.
3. Toast granola and chopped nuts until golden and then sprinkle them over the jelly-coated strawberries.
## How to serve
Release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice it up and serve. It’s time for you and your loved ones to enjoy the heavenly sin that is the Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake!
## How to store
The cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
## Tips to make Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
1. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
2. Do not overmix the batter as it can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
3. Always cool the cheesecake completely before cutting.
## Variations
1. You can use other berries like blueberry or raspberry in place of strawberries.
2. For extra crunch, you can add crushed cookies to the crust.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?**
Yes, you can but ensure to thaw and drain them properly before using.
2. **What can I use if I don’t have granola for the crunch?**
You can use any kind of nuts, cookies, or even leftover graham cracker crumbs.
3. **Why did my cheesecake turn out crumbly?**
Your cheesecake might have turned out to be crumbly due to overmixing the batter. Remember, smooth batter makes a smooth cheesecake.
Relish the Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, until every bite asks for more!