Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy strawberry topping with these delightful Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or Golden Oreo crumbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam
- 1 cup Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers, crushed
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup white chocolate or candy melts, melted
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and melted butter until combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan with the back of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps; this is crucial for a smooth cheesecake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to cracks in the cheesecake. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree or jam until fully blended.
- Bake & Chill: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, freeze-dried strawberries, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and fully coated.
- Assemble the Chunks: Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into bite-sized squares. Roll or sprinkle each piece generously with the strawberry crunch topping, ensuring they are well coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness if desired. Garnish each chunk with fresh strawberry slices. Keep refrigerated until you're ready to serve these delightful cheesecake chunks.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chunk
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling to prevent cracks. Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth filling, and chill the cheesecake overnight for the best flavor.