| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 30g | 18g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 2g | 7g | 0.85g |
Born and raised in the sunny valleys of California, my heart was always set in the kitchen where health-conscious food met classic American comfort. This passion birthed a myriad of dishes in my repertoire, including our dish of interest today: the enchanting Strawberry Cheesecake.
This strawberry cheesecake, dear friends, is not your ordinary cheesecake. No, it’s a delicate fusion of freshness from the very best Californian strawberries and the indulgent creaminess of the cheese. Let me tell you, the combination is simply divine.
Freshness & Indulgence, One Bite at a Time
Every ingredient in this delightful recipe has been carefully chosen to transport you straight into a Californian summer afternoon. A place where vineyard-blessed breezes mix with the sweet aroma of strawberries, washing over you as you soak up the sunshine amongst the fields.
Just as California is a melting pot of cultures, this cheesecake recipe is a delightful blend of health-consciousness and comfort. The crisp graham cracker crust provides a perfectly balanced counterpart to the velvety rich filling, in a combination that harks back to the heartwarming comfort of classic American culinary traditions.
Health in Every Bite
But it isn’t all just about comfort and indulgence. Strawberries, the star of this show, are a fantastically healthy fruit. They’re an excellent source of vitamins C and K and provide a significant dose of fibre, folic acid, manganese, and potassium [source]. Their antioxidants and plant compounds may also benefit heart health and blood sugar control [source].
Furthermore, unrefined sugar and organic butter ensure that your body, while reveling in the creamy delight of the cheesecake, also stands to benefit from the natural nutrients these ingredients boast.
And let’s not forget the cream cheese, a source of Vitamin A and calcium—and when combined with the humble egg, you’re presented with a dessert that is as nutrient-rich as it is delicious.
A Perfect Match
Our Strawberry Cheesecake works wonderfully as a standalone dish. However, if you’re looking to create a full dining experience, it pairs beautifully with numerous dishes. Consider serving it after a light, summer-inspired main course such as Poached Salmon with Dill and Yogurt Sauce. Or perhaps with a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé or even a robust Cabernet Sauvignon from the heart of California’s wine country.
So there you have it, friends. Our delightful Strawberry Cheesecake – an embodiment of Californian sunshine and a tribute to wholesome comfort food. One bite of this heavenly cheesecake will have your palate embracing the vibrant health-conscious ethos of the West Coast and the heartwarming comfort of classic American cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup white sugar
- 0.5 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 0.75 cup white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 6 fresh strawberries for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 0.5 cup of white sugar, and the melted butter; mix until all ingredients are integrated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form your cheesecake base.
Step Two
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the base for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes crisp and lightly browned. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool as you prepare the remaining components.
Step Three
In a blender or food processor, puree 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Transfer the strawberry puree into a saucepan and add cornstarch, 0.5 cup of water, and 0.75 cup of sugar. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat, and allow the mixture to boil and to thicken, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool.
Step Four
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, the remaining 0.75 cup of sugar, and the vanilla extract, and beat these ingredients together until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step Five
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Then dollop the cooled strawberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. With a knife or spatula, create a marbled effect by dragging the strawberry sauce in swirling motions through the cream cheese.
Step Six
Place the pan back into the oven, with temperature reduced to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set. Afterward, allow the cheesecake to cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.
Step Seven
Before serving the strawberry cheesecake, spread the whipped cream over the top and garnish with fresh strawberries. Enjoy!
