Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookies for GF option)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Puree
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (or egg replacer for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake briefly to set the crust.
- Make the Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Optionally add lemon juice and sugar to enhance flavor. Set aside to use for swirls.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract, stirring just until combined.
- Combine and Swirl: Pour half the filling into the crust. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry puree over the filling. Add the remaining filling on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer to create marbled patterns.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the pan in a water bath (wrapped in foil) and bake until edges are set but center slightly jiggles, about 55 minutes.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cool cheesecake at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth batter.
- Fresh strawberries provide best flavor; if using frozen, thaw and drain well.
- Swirl strawberry puree gently to keep distinct patterns.
- Baking in a water bath prevents cracks and dry edges.
- Chill overnight for clean slicing and best texture.
- For gluten-free option, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies.
- For vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and egg replacers.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, swirl cheesecake, creamy dessert, homemade cheesecake, fruit dessert, gluten free dessert