🍓❤️ Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
A smooth, luxurious cheesecake with a soft blush of strawberry and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon for warmth
For the Strawberry Velvet Filling:
• 2 cups (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup (120g) sour cream
• ½ cup (120ml) strawberry puree (fresh or thawed frozen strawberries blended)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps with structure)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A few drops of red or pink gel food coloring (for a velvet blush tone – optional but beautiful)
For the Strawberry Glaze (Optional but wow-worthy):
• ½ cup strawberry jam
• 1–2 tbsp water
• Fresh strawberries for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Crust
• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
• Press into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (no lumps!).
• Add eggs one at a time, beating slowly after each addition.
• Mix in sour cream, vanilla, strawberry puree, cornstarch, and optional food coloring.
• Beat just until combined — don’t overmix to avoid cracks.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
• Pour the filling over the crust.
• Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
• Bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let it cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Chill
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
5. Add the Glaze (Optional)
• Warm strawberry jam with water until pourable. Let cool slightly.
• Spread over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
• Decorate with fresh strawberries or even white chocolate shavings.
✨ To Serve:
• Slice with a hot knife for clean, beautiful cuts.
• Serve chilled with a swirl of whipped cream or extra berry sauce on the side.