– For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– For the Filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– For the Strawberry Swirl:
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Follow these steps to create your own Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Bake Crust: Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
4. Make Strawberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue to blend until well combined.
6. Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and sour cream, blending until smooth.
7. Swirl in Strawberry Mixture: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Drizzle half of the cooled strawberry sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the filling. Repeat with the remaining filling and sauce.
8. Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The center should be set but jiggly.
9. Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour to finish cooking gently.
10. Chill: Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. After it cools, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before removing it from the springform pan.
Following these easy steps will result in a stunning Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake.