Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake blends creamy, smooth cream cheese texture with a vibrant, sweet-tart strawberry swirl, creating an irresistible dessert perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence. With a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious filling, it offers a beautiful marbled presentation and a balanced flavor that pleases any palate.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust substitution)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Swirl
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for puree)
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional, for texture)
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even, sturdy base. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the strawberry puree: Blend fresh strawberries with lemon juice and sugar until smooth. Reserve a few chopped strawberries to fold into the puree or to use in the swirl design for added texture.
- Whip the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream (or heavy cream) until the mixture reaches a luscious consistency.
- Combine and swirl: Pour half the cheesecake batter over the chilled crust. Dollop spoonfuls of strawberry puree on top, then add the remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry puree through the batter to create a beautiful marbled pattern.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. This slow baking ensures a creamy texture and prevents cracking.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up for clean slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid air pockets and cracks in the cheesecake.
- Swirl the strawberry puree gently to keep the pattern distinct and visually appealing.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil; this helps prevent cracking and keeps the cheesecake moist.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean, firm pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake, dessert, berry swirl, creamy cheesecake, homemade dessert, baked cheesecake, gluten-free dessert