🍓🍰 Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dream 🍋✨
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance with irresistible flavor, this Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dream is the answer. With a rich brown butter crust, a fluffy, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries on top, it’s the perfect balance of buttery, creamy, and fruity that will leave you craving more. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, or when you simply want to indulge in a homemade dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
This cheesecake isn’t your typical one—it’s lighter, fluffier, and packed with fresh flavors. The brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth to the crust, while the cheesecake filling is airy yet rich. The fresh strawberries on top provide the perfect fruity finish, making each bite a delightful experience.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8-10):
Crust:
½ cup brown butter (unsalted, melted) 🧈
3 tbsp sugar 🍚
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuit crumbs) 🍪
1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Pinch of salt 🧂
Cheesecake Filling:
2 cups cream cheese (softened) 🧀
¾ cup powdered sugar 🍬
1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
1 tsp lemon zest 🍋
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 🧴
1 tbsp gelatin (or 2 ½ tsp agar agar for a vegetarian version) 🍽️
3 tbsp warm water 💧
Topping:
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 🍓
2 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves (for glaze) 🍓
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brown Butter Crust:
Brown the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir constantly as it cooks. After a few minutes, the butter will begin to foam and then turn golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.
Cool the butter: Remove the pan from heat and let the brown butter cool slightly.
Mix the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the brown butter, sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture starts to hold together when pressed.
Press into the pan: Transfer the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to ensure it’s compact. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with 3 tablespoons warm water. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom (soak up the water).
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the sugar and flavors: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the cream cheese. Beat until fully combined and fluffy.
Incorporate the gelatin: Once the gelatin has bloomed, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to fully dissolve. Pour the dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate it. This will give the cheesecake its airy texture.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spread the filling: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared brown butter crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer.
Chill: Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
Slice the strawberries: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then slice them thinly.
Glaze the strawberries: In a small saucepan, warm the strawberry jam over low heat for a few minutes until it’s easy to pour. Remove from heat.
Arrange the strawberries: Once the cheesecake has set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful, even layer.
Glaze the strawberries: Using a spoon, drizzle the warm strawberry glaze over the strawberries to give them a shiny, sweet finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve: Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of coffee.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake:
Brown butter crust: Make sure to allow the brown butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the crumbs to prevent the crust from becoming too greasy.
Gelatin substitution: If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can substitute gelatin with agar agar. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for the correct ratios.
No-bake version: If you prefer a no-bake cheesecake, skip the gelatin and refrigerate the cheesecake for a longer time to ensure it sets properly.
Strawberries: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen berries or even other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist.
🍴 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1/10 of the cheesecake):
Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
Carbs: Approx. 35g
Protein: Approx. 5g
Fat: Approx. 24g
Fiber: Approx. 2g
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dream:
Rich and creamy: The fluffy cheesecake filling and buttery brown butter crust create a perfect texture balance.
Fresh strawberries: The sweet, tangy strawberries give the dessert a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Elegant yet easy: It looks sophisticated enough for special occasions but is easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
Perfect for spring and summer: The lightness of the cheesecake and the freshness of the strawberries make it an ideal dessert for warm weather.
This Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dream will be a showstopper at your next gathering, and with its combination of textures and flavors, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds! Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cheesecake is an absolute winner. Enjoy the blissful, fruity indulgence! 🍓🍰