Are you craving something sweet and delightful? Look no further! Our Easy Strawberry Cheesecake recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth. This delightful dessert, featuring fresh strawberries and creamy cheesecake, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a quiet evening at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Every bite of this Strawberry Cheesecake takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of fresh strawberries and baked pastry filled the air. It was her go-to recipe for every family gathering, loved for its simplicity and delightful taste. Today, I share this cherished family recipe with you, carrying on a sweet tradition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
Shopping List:
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet)
- Strawberries (2 cups, sliced)
- Sugar (½ cup)
- Lemon Juice (¼ cup)
- Cream Cheese (1- 8 oz package)
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)
- Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons)
- Powdered Sugar (¼ cup)
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1- 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh, sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the thawed puff pastry and place it in a greased pie dish. Trim any excess pastry and poke holes in the bottom using a fork. Pre-bake the pastry for 10 minutes.
- Make the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked pastry. Then, add the cooled strawberry filling on top.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Add the Fresh Strawberry Layer: Once the cheesecake is cool, arrange fresh sliced strawberries on top and dust with powdered sugar.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cheesecake for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy this luscious, fruity dessert with your loved ones!
Keto Version Recipe:
- Replace puff pastry with almond flour crust (2 cups almond flour, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1 tablespoon erythritol).
- Use erythritol instead of sugar in fillings.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
The Secrets Behind the Perfect Recipe:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Fully soften the cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent cracking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but ensure they are thawed and drained well.
- How long does the cheesecake last in the fridge? Up to 5 days when stored properly.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free pastry crust.
There you have it – a simple yet scrumptious strawberry cheesecake that’s sure to be a hit at any event. Its combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries will make it a favorite. Try this recipe today and indulge in the sweet taste of homemade perfection!