If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines creamy indulgence with nostalgic crunch, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the one. It features a velvety cheesecake filling layered on a buttery golden crust, topped with a luscious strawberry glaze and a delightful crunchy crumble inspired by the classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars. I made this for a family celebration, and the texture and flavor combination was pure perfection—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced with that irresistible crunch on top. Every bite feels like a celebration of summer, though this dessert is welcome on the table any time of year. It’s elegant enough for holidays yet easy enough for a weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the perfect marriage of creamy and crunchy textures. The buttery crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and sweet strawberry topping come together beautifully for a dessert that’s both decadent and refreshing. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress guests—or satisfy your own sweet tooth.
Print
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: A Sweet, Creamy Slice of Heaven
- Total Time: 6 hrs (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert with a buttery golden crust, smooth strawberry-flavored cheesecake filling, and a nostalgic strawberry crunch topping inspired by the classic ice cream bar. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Golden Oreo cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or puree
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1/2 cup Golden Oreo crumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- Whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil.
- In a bowl, combine Golden Oreo crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide the batter into two bowls. Stir strawberry preserves or puree into one portion to create the strawberry layer.
- Pour the plain batter into the crust, then carefully spoon the strawberry layer on top. Smooth the surface.
- Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and fill halfway with hot water to create a water bath.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour with the door cracked open.
- Remove from oven, cool completely, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For the topping: Mix crushed freeze-dried strawberries, Oreo crumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth texture.
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
- Freeze-dried strawberries give the crunch topping its signature flavor and texture.
- Can be made a day ahead — store covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs – Create the buttery, crisp base for the cheesecake. You can also use Golden Oreos for extra flavor.
Butter – Melted butter binds the crust together and gives it a rich, toasty flavor.
Cream cheese – The heart of the cheesecake, giving it that classic smooth and creamy texture. Use full-fat for the best results.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Eggs – Provide structure and help the cheesecake set perfectly while staying creamy.
Sour cream – Adds a subtle tang and smooth texture to the filling.
Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the flavor of the cheesecake base.
Strawberry gelatin powder – Used in the topping to create that signature strawberry flavor and color.
Freeze-dried strawberries – Crushed into crumbs, they bring a burst of real fruit flavor and a pop of color to the topping.
Golden Oreos – Crumbled and combined with butter and strawberries to form the classic strawberry crunch topping.
Whipped cream – Optional, but adds an airy, creamy finish when served.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- To make the topping, crush freeze-dried strawberries and Golden Oreos together. Mix with melted butter and strawberry gelatin powder until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping generously over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 55 minutes
Cooling and chilling time: 5 hours
Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store your Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid reheating, as cheesecakes are best enjoyed chilled.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Strawberry Delight: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake before the crunch topping.
Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the filling and crust into muffin tins for individual portions. Perfect for parties or picnics.
No-Bake Version: Skip baking entirely—use softened cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter, no-bake version set in the fridge.
Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a subtle citrus brightness.
Berry Medley: Mix in crushed blueberries or raspberries into the topping for a colorful twist.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the topping for more texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust and topping.
Whipped Cream Layer: Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top before adding the strawberry crunch for a soft, creamy contrast.
Creamy Strawberry Layer: Swirl strawberry puree or jam through the cheesecake batter before baking for extra flavor.
Vanilla Cookie Crust: Swap graham crackers for Golden Oreos for a sweeter, more dessert-like base.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake without baking?
Yes, use a no-bake cheesecake filling (cream cheese and whipped topping) and chill it for at least 6 hours.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Bake in a water bath and allow it to cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
It’s best to use freeze-dried strawberries for the crunch, as fresh or frozen ones add too much moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors set.
How do I get a smooth cheesecake filling?
Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing.
Can I use different cookies for the crust?
Yes—Golden Oreos, vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits all work well.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
Use a deep pie dish or 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to two months. Thaw overnight before serving.
How do I slice cheesecake neatly?
Wipe your knife clean between slices for clean, beautiful edges.
Can I add whipped cream on top?
Definitely! It adds a soft, airy layer that pairs perfectly with the crunchy topping.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a dessert that captures everything we love about classic cheesecake—with a nostalgic, crunchy twist. Creamy, smooth, and topped with that irresistible strawberry crumble, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I’ve made this for birthdays, family dinners, and summer gatherings, and it’s always the first dessert to disappear. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal fuss. Serve it chilled, slice it cleanly, and get ready for compliments—this cheesecake is a true showstopper.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!