Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Dessert (Print-Friendly Version)

Rich cheesecake with vibrant strawberry swirls and a crisp graham base for an irresistible dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Strawberry Sauce

01 - 225 grams fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
02 - 50 grams granulated sugar
03 - 15 millilitres lemon juice
04 - 8 grams cornstarch mixed with 15 millilitres water

→ Crust

05 - 150 grams graham cracker crumbs
06 - 65 grams granulated sugar
07 - 115 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

08 - 680 grams cream cheese, softened
09 - 200 grams granulated sugar
10 - 3 large eggs
11 - 5 millilitres vanilla extract
12 - 240 grams sour cream
13 - 60 millilitres heavy cream

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
02 - Mash strawberries into a puree, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely. Strain for a smoother finish if preferred.
03 - Preheat oven to 160°C. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully incorporated.
04 - Press crust mixture evenly into the base of a 23 cm springform pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
05 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Mix in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream just until combined.
06 - Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Drop spoonfuls of cooled strawberry sauce over the filling and gently swirl with a skewer or knife to create a marbled pattern.
07 - Place springform pan inside a larger baking tray. Add 2–5 cm hot water to the tray for a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and the centre slightly jiggles.
08 - Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and cool cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Remove from the water bath, then cool fully at room temperature.
09 - Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture and flavour.
10 - Run a knife around the pan edges, release the springform ring, and slice. Serve with extra strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries as garnish.

# Additional Tips:

01 - All dairy ingredients should be at room temperature prior to mixing for a silky and lump-free filling.
02 - A water bath with gradual cooling ensures a smooth top and minimizes surface cracks.