Embark on a culinary journey with this timeless Classic Cheesecake, crowned with a homemade strawberry glaze that offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
For the Crust:
- Crumbly crackers, finely ground
- Melted butter for binding
- A pinch of salt to enhance flavor
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Full-fat cream cheese, room temperature for smoothness
- Granulated sugar for sweetness
- Sour cream for a tangy dimension
- Pure vanilla extract for aroma
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice for zest
- Salt to balance the flavors
- Eggs, incorporated one by one
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- Strawberry jam for a fruit-forward base
- Additional sugar if desired
- Water to adjust consistency
- Fresh strawberries for texture
- Cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze
Baking Steps:
- Prep your springform pan and preheat the oven.
- Combine cracker crumbs with butter and press to form the crust, then prebake briefly.
- Cream the cheese, then blend in the sugar, sour cream, and flavorings.
- Gently add eggs to the mixture, being careful to minimize air incorporation.
- Ready the water bath and carefully add the cheesecake to prevent moisture intrusion.
- Bake until the perimeter is firm but the center retains a jiggle.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to avoid cracks.
- Simmer the strawberry jam mixture, softening the berries, then thicken with cornstarch.
- After cooling, release the cheesecake, top with the strawberry glaze, and serve.
Final Touches: Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before topping with the glaze for a beautifully set dessert.
