Glazed Strawberry Cheesecake
A creamy, luscious strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberries and a sweet strawberry glaze. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert, it combines rich cheese flavors with the bright freshness of strawberries, appealing to both fruit lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 16 oz. carton cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. cream cheese softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 16 oz. commercial sour cream
- 1/2 c. butter or oleo melted ⓘ
- 1/3 c. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 c. strawberries washed and hulled ⓘ
- glaze ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch spring-form pan.
- Dust generously with graham cracker crumbs.
- Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, and beat on high speed until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating after each addition.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Add sour cream, melted butter, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until mixture is smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake stand in the oven for 2 hours.
- Cool completely.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
- Arrange whole strawberries on top of the cheesecake and drizzle with strawberry glaze.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh lemon zest in addition to the lemon juice. If you're short on time, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits. For a lighter texture, whip the sour cream before adding it to the mixture. This cheesecake makes a great base for various toppings, like fresh berries or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesecake chilled with a generous topping of the glazed strawberries for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert also complements a light salad or a fruity cocktail for a delightful end to a meal. For more delicious options, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing this cheesecake, as it may alter its creamy consistency. Just slice and serve cold straight from the fridge for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Strawberry Cheesecake contains roughly 495 calories, with 3g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure it is properly chilled and covered in the fridge. The flavors will meld and improve with time, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
What can I substitute for the sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Another option is to use crème fraîche, which adds a rich creaminess to the cheesecake.
How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to cracks in the surface. A water bath can help prevent this.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).