Few desserts are as timeless and universally loved as strawberry cheesecake. It’s the kind of treat that makes an ordinary day feel like a special occasion. With its smooth, velvety texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser every time.
The base starts with a classic graham cracker crust, just the right amount of buttery crunch to contrast the creamy filling. Pressed firmly into a springform pan and pre-baked for a few minutes, it becomes the perfect foundation for the rich and silky cheesecake layer.
The filling is simple but luxurious: cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. The key here is to beat the cream cheese until it’s ultra smooth, and to mix in the eggs one at a time to keep everything light and airy. Baking it low and slow helps avoid cracks and ensures the center stays beautifully soft without being underdone.
What really sets this cheesecake apart is the strawberry topping. Fresh strawberries are sliced and simmered with a touch of sugar and lemon juice until they break down into a thick, glossy sauce. Spoon this vibrant topping over the cooled cheesecake, and you’ve got a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Strawberry cheesecake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress guests (or treat yourself). It can be made a day ahead, which makes entertaining easier. Just be sure to chill it thoroughly so the flavors can settle and the texture firms up.
Whether you’re a lifelong cheesecake lover or trying it for the first time, this version hits all the right notes. Every bite delivers a mix of creamy richness, bright fruitiness, and just a hint of crunch from the crust. Serve it plain, add a dollop of whipped cream, or pair it with extra strawberries for a dessert that’s classic in the best possible way.

Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Strawberry topping
- 2 cups strawberries fresh
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- 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. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Remove the sides of the pan and let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is thickened and the strawberries are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once the cheesecake and strawberry topping are completely cool, pour the strawberry topping over the cheesecake. Spread evenly with a spoon.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Slice and serve.
I’m not sure about the cornstarch in the topping. Isn’t that for thickening soups? Why not just use more strawberries?
I get your point about cornstarch, but it really helps the topping hold together. More strawberries might make it too watery. Just trust the recipe! 😊
Honestly, I’m not a fan of cornstarch either. Can’t you just mash the strawberries and make it more natural? Seems better to me.
i love this!
Thank you for your comment! If you had the chance to try out the recipe, we’d love to hear about your experience and gather your feedback. Feel free to share your thoughts! 🤗
Ugh, why do people put cornstarch in desserts? I skip that part, way too confusing and I like it simpler. Still good.
I totally get what you’re saying! Cornstarch can be weird for some. But I think it helps make the topping nice and thick, ya know? Give it a try next time! 🍰
Why u need cornstarch anyway? Sounds dumb to me. Desserts should be easy, like just fruit and cream! 😂
It looks good, but I found the crust too crumbly. Maybe I didn’t press it enough? Not sure if I would make it again.
Or you could use a different recipe? I’ve seen ones that use flour or even crushed cookies. 🤷♂️
I think the crust is tricky! Maybe try pressing it down harder next time, or even adding a bit more butter? It might help! Don’t give up on it!
This cheesecake was a hit at our family gathering! Everyone loved it. Definitely making it again!
Strawberries are great but you need more cheese! Not really a real cheesecake if it just tastes like strawberries… 😕
Easy to make. My grandma used to make something like this but with cherries. This brought back memories. 🙂
Absolutely delicious! It’s like a slice of heaven! I substituted the strawberries with blueberries ’cause I had them on hand, still a winner!
Blueberries instead of strawberries? Sounds weird, but if you say it was good, maybe I’ll give it a go. Just not sure it’s the same! 🤔
I can’t believe you used blueberries! That’s a brave choice! But hey, if it turned out great, then why not! I might try that too! 🍰
I followed the recipe but my cheesecake cracked on top. What did I do wrong? 🙁
This cheesecake is amazing! I made it for my family, and they devoured it in minutes. Totally a keeper!
I tried making this, but it didn’t set properly. I think I overmixed the cream cheese or something. Really disappointed…
Overmixed? I thought it was the baking time or maybe the fridge wasn’t cold enough! Give it another shot, it’s a tough recipe but delicious if done right!
I’m sorry to hear that! It can be really frustrating when things don’t turn out as expected. Maybe try mixing the cream cheese just until combined next time? Good luck!
Soo gooood!! I added a little lemon zest for extra flavor, turned out amazing!!!
I don’t know, it was a bit too sweet for my taste. And the crust crumbled too much. Not what I expected.
Strawberry cheesecake is life! Love this recipe, I added a sprinkle of lemon zest to the filling for extra zing!
This cheesecake is amazing! I made it for my daughter’s birthday, and everyone loved it! Five stars!
Simple steps. Looked beautiful, but it was too sweet for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut down the sugar.
Too sweet? I thought cheesecake was supposed to be sweet! Maybe you just used too much sugar? 🤔
I totally get you! It can be super sweet sometimes. Cutting back on the sugar is a great idea! 😊
Cheese cake? Yummy! 10/10 for me. 🍰
I followed the recipe exactly but my cheesecake cracked. Not sure what went wrong. Any tips?
I don’t like strawberries. Can I use blueberries instead? Will it still be a cheesecake?
I think if you switch the strawberries for blueberries, it won’t be a cheesecake anymore. You gotta follow the recipe, right?
Yes, you can use blueberries instead! It’ll still be a cheesecake, just a different flavor. Enjoy!
This cheesecake is amazing! I made it for my sister’s birthday and everyone loved it. The strawberries on top were a hit!
I’m so glad to hear that! Cheesecake is one of my favorites too, especially with fresh strawberries. Happy birthday to your sister! 🎉
I tried this recipe too, but mine didn’t turn out as good. Maybe I messed up somewhere? The strawberries were nice though.
This took way too long to make. If I wanted to wait this long, I could’ve just bought one. Disappointing!
Yum! I added some lemon zest to the filling and it was sooo good! Definitely making this again.
Too complicated!! I just wanted somethin quick. I ended up just buyin a store-bought one instead.