Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake Recipe

If you are looking for a dessert that blends the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and a delightful crumbly texture, then this Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake is an absolute must-try. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust, a beautifully smooth cream cheese filling swirled with strawberry preserves, and a homemade cinnamon-scented crumble topping, this cake offers a slice of pure joy with every bite. It’s the perfect showstopper for any occasion and a heartfelt way to treat yourself and those around you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a stunning balance of flavors and textures. Each component—from the crust to the filling and the crumble—plays a vital role in crafting a memorable dessert experience.

• Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your crust, adding a sweet and slightly crunchy texture that holds everything together.
• Granulated sugar: Used in the crust, filling, and crumble to sweeten uniformly without overpowering the natural strawberry flavor.
• Cinnamon: A touch in the crust and crumble for a warm, comforting spice note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crust and crumble for a rich, buttery foundation and topping.
• Cream cheese: The star of the filling providing the characteristic creamy texture and tangy taste of cheesecake.
• All-purpose flour: Added in the filling and crumble to add structure and help everything hold its shape perfectly.
• Eggs: Essential for setting the filling into that perfect cheesecake consistency, silky yet firm.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and tang, creating a velvety, smooth filling with a subtle depth of flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors in the filling.
• Lemon juice: Just a hint brings brightness, balancing richness and sweet strawberry notes.
• Strawberry preserves/jam: Swirled into the filling for bursts of strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink swirl effect.
• Cornstarch: In the crumble, it helps keep the texture light and crisp rather than dense.
• Light brown sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the crumble topping.

How to Make Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a springform pan with parchment paper for an easy release later. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until every crumb is evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your pan, creating a sturdy base for your cheesecake. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes to set the crust, then allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next step. This step ensures your crust will be crisp and flavorful, adding a beautiful textural contrast.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

While the crust is cooling, mix together the flour, cornstarch, both sugars, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until every dry ingredient is coated and the mixture forms a loose crumble. Pop this bowl into the fridge so your crumble stays cold and will bake into a crunchy, golden topping later on.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Turn your oven temperature up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and flour for about two minutes to create a smooth, creamy base—just keep an eye on it to avoid overwhipping, as that can introduce air bubbles. Add eggs one by one, incorporating each thoroughly and scraping the sides to maintain a consistent texture. Then blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice for freshness. Pour this rich filling carefully over the cooled crust, smoothing the top gently.

Step 4: Add Strawberry Swirls and Crumble

Drop spoonfuls of strawberry preserves evenly across the top of the cheesecake mixture and use a knife or skewer to swirl it through the batter in pretty patterns. Next, take your chilled crumble topping and sprinkle it generously over the surface, pressing it slightly into the batter to ensure it bakes into the filling beautifully.

Step 5: Bake Your Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake

Place the cheesecake in your preheated 450-degree oven for 8 minutes. Without opening the door, reduce the heat to 200 degrees and continue baking for 50 minutes. Finally, turn off the oven but keep the cheesecake inside with the door closed for an additional hour—this gentle cooling prevents cracks and creates that signature silky texture. Once out of the oven, let it rest at room temperature for two hours before covering with foil and refrigerating for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Patience at this stage truly rewards you with a perfectly set Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake.

How to Serve Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake

Garnishes

To elevate your serving of Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake, consider adding fresh sliced strawberries on top for an extra burst of freshness and color. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves can add a touch of elegance and freshness that complements the richness beautifully. Whipped cream on the side always adds a dreamy, airy contrast that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is a fantastic centerpiece dessert, but pairing it with something light like a fresh green salad or a cup of herbal tea balances the rich sweetness perfectly. If you want to keep the strawberry theme going, a small bowl of mixed berry compote or lemon sorbet on the side can add a refreshing lift.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in pretty glass jars layered with fresh berries and crumble, turning it into a charming parfait-style dessert. Alternatively, place slices on decorative plates with a drizzle of extra strawberry preserves or chocolate sauce to add flair. You could also decorate the serving platter with edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon to tie in all the flavors visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This allows the flavors to deepen—sometimes day two or three tastes even better! Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dessert later, slice and freeze portions individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. The Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake will maintain its texture well for up to 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Cheesecake is generally best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid reheating in the microwave or oven to preserve the texture and prevent cracking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry preserves?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh strawberries if you prefer! Simply chop them finely and toss them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to macerate before swirling into the filling. Keep in mind the moisture content might affect baking slightly, so watch the crust to ensure it stays crisp.

What is the purpose of the sour cream in the filling?

Sour cream adds moisture and a gentle tang that balances the sweetness, making the cheesecake creamy but not overly dense. It also helps create a smooth texture that holds up nicely when baked.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

To make the Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake gluten-free, swap the graham crackers and all-purpose flour for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores offer gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and flour blends that perform well in baking recipes like this.

Why bake the cheesecake at two different temperatures?

Baking first at a high temperature helps set the edges and prevent cracking, while lowering the temperature and slow-cooking it ensures a creamy, perfectly set center. The final resting in the oven with the door closed allows the heat to even out and finish the bake gently.

How do I prevent cracks on my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the filling and do not open the oven door during baking except as instructed. Using room temperature ingredients and baking with the gradual cooling method described also helps avoid cracks on the surface.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake is like creating a little slice of happiness you’ll want to share again and again. It’s balanced, comforting, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor complemented by a crisp, buttery crumble you can’t resist. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite whenever you need a special treat that feels both homemade and a bit magical. Go ahead, grab your ingredients and get baking—it’s worth every minute!

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