Make A Strawberry Cheesecake

Try modifying this strawberry cheesecake recipe to feature other fresh, seasonal berries, like blueberries.

Creamy, classic cheesecake is a luscious dessert that is perfect for serving on a variety of occasions. Strawberry cheesecake is the perfect to serve in the spring when fresh strawberries are in season and makes a great go-to dessert for any spring celebration. This impressive dish brings a touch of elegance to the table and tastes delicious. Experiment with topping this cheesecake with different seasonal fruits and flavors throughout the year.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Combine 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans and 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs in small bowl. Stir in 3 tbsp. melted butter. Press mixture into bottom of spring form pan.

3. In large mixing bowl, beat 32 oz. cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 1/4 cups sugar, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Beat well. Add 4 lightly-beaten eggs and beat on low speed until just combined.

4. Spoon cream cheese mixture over graham cracker mixture in spring form pan. Place the pan on the baking sheet.

5. Bake cheesecake in 350-degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until center is almost set.

6. Remove cheesecake from oven. Leave oven on.

7. Combine 2 cups sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Spread over cheesecake filling and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Cool for one hour, then refrigerate overnight.

8. Prepare glaze several hours before serving. To prepare glaze, combine 2 tbsp. cornstarch with 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Stir until smooth. Add 12 oz. strawberry jelly.

9. Bring jelly mixture to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until jelly is melted and glaze mixture has thickened. Remove glaze from heat and add 3 tbsp. orange juice. Cool glaze to room temperature.

10. Remove sides of spring form pan just before serving cheesecake. Arrange 1 qt. whole, hulled fresh strawberries over cake, with the pointed ends up. Spoon glaze over strawberries and serve.

Tags: spring form, before serving, cream cheese, fresh strawberries, graham cracker, minutes until, oven Combine