Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries with this Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake. The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake is beautifully complemented by a buttery shortbread crust and a luscious strawberry sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and tang, making it a perfect treat for any dessert lover. This cheesecake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, adorned with vibrant, juicy strawberries.
Why You'll Love This:
This cheesecake is a showstopper in both flavor and presentation. The rich and creamy filling, made with high-quality cream cheese, perfectly balances the sweet and tart notes of fresh strawberries. The shortbread crust adds a delightful crunch, while the homemade strawberry sauce elevates the dessert to a gourmet level. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this cheesecake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion:
This strawberry cheesecake is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering. It's also an excellent choice for a summer dessert, when strawberries are in season and their flavor is at its peak. Serve it at a dinner party to impress your guests, or enjoy it as a luxurious treat for yourself and your family.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant presentation, arrange fresh strawberries in a circular pattern on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle the strawberry sauce over the strawberries, allowing it to gently cascade down the sides. You can also add a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. For a more festive look, consider adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.
Ingredients List:
- For the Crust:
- 12.3 ounces Shortbread Cookies
- 3.5 ounces Butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 10.5 ounces Cream Cheese (Philadelphia type)
- 3 Eggs
- 5 ounces Heavy Cream (33% fat, suitable for whipping)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (to taste)
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
- Vanilla Extract, to taste
- For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 7 ounces Strawberries
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 3 to 4 tablespoons Sugar
- 3.4 ounces Water
- Prepare the Crust:
- Grind the shortbread cookies in a blender until fine crumbs form. Mix with the melted butter using your hands until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of an 18 cm springform pan using the bottom of a glass. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, eggs, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Preheat the oven to 293 degrees Fahrenheit (145 degrees Celsius).
- Place a container of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create humidity, which helps prevent cracks.
- Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cheesecake will puff up during baking but will settle as it cools.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature, then cover with foil and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then blend until smooth.
- Strain the strawberry puree through a sieve to remove seeds, then return to the saucepan.
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry, then add to the strawberry puree.
- Bring to a boil again and cook over low heat for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, decorate with fresh strawberries.
- Drizzle the strawberry sauce over the top and let it set in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Serve with a cup of tea and enjoy with your loved ones.
Enjoy this decadent strawberry cheesecake, where each bite brings a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your dessert experience. Bon appétit!