Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
A homemade Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake that blends a rich, creamy cheesecake base with vibrant, fresh strawberry swirls. This luscious dessert balances sweetness and tanginess perfectly, making it ideal for any celebration or cozy occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust substitution)
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Strawberry Swirl
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan and chill in the refrigerator while making the filling to form a solid crust base.
- Make the Strawberry Swirl: Puree fresh strawberries with lemon juice and sugar until smooth. Set aside a portion for swirling into the cheesecake filling and keep some for topping, if desired.
- Whip the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and continue beating. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until the filling is creamy and well combined.
- Add the Swirl: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Spoon dollops of strawberry puree over the filling and gently swirl with a knife or skewer. Add the remaining filling on top and repeat the swirl technique with the rest of the strawberry puree for a decorative finish.
- Bake and Cool: Place the springform pan in a water bath and bake at a low temperature (approximately 325°F or 160°C) for 55 to 70 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Let cool gradually at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to set completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks and maintain moisture.
- Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the brightest flavor and color in the swirl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: strawberry swirl cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, homemade cheesecake, berry dessert, no crack cheesecake, fruit swirl cheesecake