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#### **Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling**
While the crust is cooling, prepare the creamy cheesecake filling. This part of the process is where the magic happens—creating a smooth, velvety base for your strawberries and crunch topping.
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
2. Add the sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add the sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. A slight jiggle in the middle is a good sign that the cheesecake is perfectly baked.
6. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This will help prevent cracking. Afterward, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
#### **Step 3: Make the Strawberry Topping**
While the cheesecake is cooling, you can prepare the strawberry topping. The fresh strawberries add a sweet and fruity element that pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake.
1. In a saucepan, combine the fresh strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften (about 5-7 minutes).
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the strawberries and stir. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in a dash of lemon juice. Let the strawberry syrup cool completely before topping the cheesecake.
#### **Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping**
The final touch to the **Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake** is the strawberry crunch topping. This topping gives the cheesecake an irresistible texture and added burst of berry flavor.
1. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and freeze-dried strawberries until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a plastic bag and a rolling pin to crush the crackers and freeze-dried strawberries by hand.
2. Add the sugar and melted butter to the crumb mixture and pulse or stir to combine.
3. Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mix evenly over the top of the cheesecake, pressing down gently so it sticks.
#### **Step 5: Assemble and Serve**
Now that your cheesecake is fully prepared, it’s time to assemble the final dessert:
1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
2. Top the cheesecake with the strawberry topping, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for a beautiful, rustic look.
3. Finally, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the cheesecake, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of color and flavor.
### **Tips for the Perfect Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake**
– **Use Room Temperature Ingredients**: For the smoothest filling, make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.
– **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing the filling can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Beat the mixture until just smooth and incorporated.
– **Avoid Overbaking**: Keep an eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking. The center should still jiggle slightly when done, as it will continue to firm up as it cools.
– **Chill for Longer**: The cheesecake tastes best when it’s allowed to chill for several hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a firmer texture.
### **Conclusion**
The **Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake** is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. It combines the classic creamy cheesecake filling with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. The addition of the **strawberry crunch topping** gives it that extra layer of flavor and texture, making it an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just indulging in something sweet, this cheesecake will be a hit with everyone who tries it.
With a bit of patience and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to create a stunning dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a cheesecake that will be remembered for its perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch. Enjoy!
