Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors with this exquisite recipe for Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake. A true showstopper on any dessert table, this creation strikes the perfect balance between creamy strawberry cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and a delectable strawberry crunch topping that will transport you back to those nostalgic days of savoring strawberry shortcake ice cream bars.

Crafted to perfection, this cheesecake has garnered a reputation as the star of spring and summer gatherings. The vibrant pink hue not only captivates the eyes but also promises a burst of strawberry goodness in every luscious bite. Elevating the essence of traditional cheesecake, this recipe is a testament to the harmony of textures and flavors that will leave your guests raving and coming back for more.

As someone who has fine-tuned this recipe with love and dedication, I can attest to its ability to bring joy and delight to any occasion. Whether it’s a family celebration or a festive get-together, this Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that culminates in a dessert experience like no other.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates childhood nostalgia with a grown-up twist
• Delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors
• Showstopper on any dessert table with its gorgeous pink color
• Versatile for various occasions and customizable with different flavor variations

Why You’ll Love This Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping Recipe

• Perfect Combination of Textures and Flavors: The creamy strawberry cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and irresistible strawberry crunch topping create a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Nostalgic Childhood Favorite, Elevated: Reminiscent of Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars, this recipe takes a beloved childhood treat and transforms it into a sophisticated dessert for adults.
• Eye-catching Showstopper: The gorgeous pink color of the cheesecake makes it a visually stunning addition to any dessert table, perfect for impressing guests at spring and summer gatherings.
• Highly-Requested Crowd Pleaser: This cheesecake has been a hit at numerous celebrations, with multiple requests for the recipe and guests asking for seconds – it’s sure to be a crowd favorite at your next event.
• Versatile and Customizable: From adding white chocolate chips for a strawberries and cream twist to incorporating freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more intense berry flavor, this recipe offers endless possibilities for personalization.
• Make-ahead Convenience: The cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and you can prepare the cheesecake portion in advance, adding the toppings just before serving, making it a convenient dessert option for special occasions.
• Pairing Recommendations: Serve this cheesecake chilled with whipped cream rosettes and fresh strawberries for an elegant presentation, pairing it with champagne for celebrations or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Nostalgic Serving Suggestions: For an extra nostalgic touch, serve slices with a scoop of strawberry ice cream on the side, creating a delicious and comforting dessert experience.
• Time Well Spent: While the recipe may require some time to prepare, the majority of it is hands-off baking and chilling time, and the end result is a delectable dessert that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Ingredients for Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (or strawberry preserves)
• 1 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder (for extra color & flavor)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Strawberry Crunch Topping

• 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder

Strawberry Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp strawberry puree
• 1 tbsp milk

How to Make Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, sour cream, strawberry puree, Jell-O powder, and flour, mixing well after each addition.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Spread the batter over the cooled crust. Wrap the pan in foil, place in a water bath, and bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and cool for 1 hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

Combine crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and strawberry Jell-O powder until mixture is crumbly.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Drizzle

Combine powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk, whisking until a smooth mixture forms.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake

Evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cheesecake and drizzle with strawberry glaze for added sweetness.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and served the scrumptious Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake, storing it properly will ensure its freshness and flavor for later enjoyment. This delightful dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the best quality, it is recommended to add the strawberry crunch topping only to the portion you plan to serve immediately. Store any remaining topping separately in an airtight container to preserve its crunchy texture for later use. By keeping the toppings separate, you can ensure that they stay fresh and maintain their delightful crunch when added to individual slices.

For longer storage of the Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake, you can freeze the plain cheesecake (without toppings) for up to a month. To freeze the cheesecake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy the frozen cheesecake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to prevent any texture changes. Once thawed, you can add the strawberry crunch topping before serving. This freezing method allows you to prepare the cheesecake portion in advance, making it convenient to add the toppings just before serving. Whether you are planning for future gatherings or saving a slice for a special treat, proper storage of this delightful dessert will help preserve its delicious taste and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a variation of this strawberry crunch pink cheesecake, consider swapping out the strawberry puree with another fruit puree such as raspberry or passion fruit to create a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of cookies for the crust, like vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies, to add a unique twist to the dessert while still maintaining that delicious crunch.

For a lighter version of this cheesecake, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a mixture of ricotta cheese and mascarpone. This substitution will not only reduce the calorie content but also add a slightly tangy flavor to the cheesecake. Additionally, if you prefer a nutty flavor, you can replace the graham cracker crust with a mixture of crushed nuts like almonds or pecans mixed with a bit of honey and melted butter for a tasty alternative base. These substitutions allow you to customize the cheesecake to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions while still keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve slices of this Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake garnished with piped whipped cream rosettes and fresh strawberries on top. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, crunchy topping, and vibrant pink color will make it the star of any dessert table. Pair it with a glass of champagne for a celebratory touch or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

For a fun and nostalgic twist, try serving this cheesecake with a scoop of strawberry ice cream on the side. The creamy cheesecake paired with the cold and fruity ice cream creates a delightful contrast in both texture and temperature. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning treat.

FAQs for Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones for the strawberry puree?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Just make sure to thaw them before blending and strain out any excess liquid for a thicker puree consistency.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this cheesecake?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the texture and richness of the cheesecake. For the best results and creamiest texture, it’s recommended to use full-fat cream cheese.

Can I make this cheesecake in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the plain cheesecake (without toppings) for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add the toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and crunch.

How can I prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake?

To prevent cracks, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake the cheesecake in a water bath to create gentle, even heat around the pan.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake brings as much joy and delight to your gatherings as it has to mine! The combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy topping, and vibrant strawberry flavor is truly a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this cheesecake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

Remember, the key to success with this recipe is patience and attention to detail. Take your time to perfect each layer, from the buttery graham cracker crust to the luscious pink cheesecake filling and the irresistible strawberry crunch topping. The effort you put into making this dessert will be rewarded with smiles, compliments, and perhaps even requests for the recipe! So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Strawberry Crunch Pink Cheesecake and watch as it becomes your own signature dessert for all your future celebrations.

Pink Strawberry Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

“Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy strawberry cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and irresistible strawberry crunch topping – a showstopper for any occasion!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time80 Minutes

Total Time110 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (1 cheesecake (12 slices))

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup strawberry puree (or strawberry preserves)
• 1 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder (for extra color & flavor)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Strawberry Crunch Topping

• 10 Golden Oreos, crushed
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder

Strawberry Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp strawberry puree
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
2. Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, sour cream, strawberry puree, Jell-O powder, and flour, mixing well after each addition.
3. Bake the Cheesecake: Spread the batter over the cooled crust. Wrap the pan in foil, place in a water bath, and bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and cool for 1 hour before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
4. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping: Combine crushed Golden Oreos, melted butter, and strawberry Jell-O powder until mixture is crumbly.
5. Prepare the Strawberry Drizzle: Combine powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk, whisking until a smooth mixture forms.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Evenly sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping over the cheesecake and drizzle with strawberry glaze for added sweetness.