This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a creamy, indulgent dessert that combines the rich, smooth texture of classic cheesecake with a vibrant swirl of sweet strawberries. It’s an elegant treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or just when you need something extra delicious to enjoy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, with a beautiful result that will impress your guests!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Deliciously Creamy: The smooth, velvety cheesecake filling is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the strawberry swirl.
- Gorgeous Swirl Effect: The strawberry swirl not only adds flavor but also gives this cheesecake a beautiful, eye-catching design.
- Easy to Make: Despite its stunning presentation, this cheesecake is simple to prepare with just a few steps.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday, or just a special treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
To make this cheesecake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch springform pan
- Food processor or blender (for pureeing strawberries)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Spoon or small ladle
How to Make Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree onto the cheesecake filling in a random pattern.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry puree into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect.
- Be careful not to over-mix; you want the strawberry swirl to be visible.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- After that, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired and slice into pieces to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a drizzle of extra strawberry sauce or whipped cream on top. Pair it with a light dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a perfect finish to any meal.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
- Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the cheesecake as it bakes. Over-baking can lead to cracks in the surface, so it’s okay if the center is slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Smooth Strawberry Swirl: If you prefer a smoother strawberry swirl, you can strain the puree to remove any seeds before adding it to the filling.
- Add a Crunch: For a fun twist, add a layer of crushed cookies (like Oreos) to the bottom of the crust for added texture.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cheesecake for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for the swirl?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before pureeing.
Q2: Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
A: While a springform pan is ideal for cheesecakes, you can use a regular cake pan or a pie dish. Just line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Q3: Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to make it the day before you plan to serve it so it has time to set and chill.
Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Dessert!
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. The creamy cheesecake paired with the sweet and tangy strawberry swirl is a combination that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to make, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love?
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your culinary creations.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American (Dessert)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 330
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every creamy, fruity bite of this perfect cheesecake!
Print
Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
This Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is a creamy, indulgent dessert that combines the rich, smooth texture of classic cheesecake with a vibrant swirl of sweet strawberries. It’s an elegant treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or just when you need something extra delicious to enjoy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, with a beautiful result that will impress your guests!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Swirl
- In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the sour cream and heavy cream, and mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree onto the cheesecake filling in a random pattern.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry puree into the cheesecake, creating a marbled effect.
- Be careful not to over-mix; you want the strawberry swirl to be visible.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- After that, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired and slice into pieces to serve.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
- Avoid Over-Baking: Keep an eye on the cheesecake as it bakes. Over-baking can lead to cracks in the surface, so it’s okay if the center is slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Smooth Strawberry Swirl: If you prefer a smoother strawberry swirl, you can strain the puree to remove any seeds before adding it to the filling.
- Add a Crunch: For a fun twist, add a layer of crushed cookies (like Oreos) to the bottom of the crust for added texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American (Dessert)
