– For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
– For the Crunch Topping:
– 1 cup strawberry-flavored cereal (like Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts or similar)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Follow these straightforward steps to create your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the Mixture: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool while preparing the filling.
5. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract.
6. Add Eggs: Beat in each egg one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated after each addition.
7. Mix in Sour Cream and Strawberries: Stir in the sour cream and pureed strawberries, mixing until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
8. Pour into Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
9. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
10. Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour. After, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
11. Make the Crunch Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbly mixture of strawberry cereal, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
12. Add Topping to Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, evenly sprinkle the crunch topping over the surface.
13. Slice and Serve: Dip a knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then slice the cheesecake to serve.
These steps will guide you in creating an incredible Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake full of flavors and textures that will impress everyone!