Ingredients
32 oz (four 8-oz packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, salt, and a bit of sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and 1/3 up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10-12 minutes until golden, then cool completely
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Fold in sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest
Pour cream cheese mixture over cooled crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm slightly
Blend strawberries with remaining 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then refrigerate
Spoon strawberry puree over the cheesecake in a circular pattern
Bake for 55-60 minutes with a water bath (place pan in a larger pan filled with water)
Let cheesecake cool completely, then refrigerate for 4 hours for firm texture
Cut into slices and serve chilled
Notes
Ensure graham cracker crumbs are halal-friendly (check ingredient label if unsure). For a non-alcoholic crust, skip lemon zest and use halal vanilla extract.
For best swirling, create small wells in the cheesecake surface before adding strawberry puree.
The water bath prevents cracks and helps with even baking; line the springform pan with parchment paper to prevent leaks.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Gluten-free option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with halal gluten-free cookies.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Strawberry Dessert Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg