Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheese Cake 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s even and compact.
4. Bake: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Incorporate Strawberry Flavor: Pour in the strawberry puree or jam and gently fold into the batter.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool with the oven door slightly open for 1 hour.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

1. Crush and Mix: In a bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry Jell-O powder, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Top the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is cooled, sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight.
2. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Berrylicious Cheesecake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overbake: The center should have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven to avoid a cracked top.
• Press Topping Gently: Lightly press the strawberry crunch topping into the cheesecake to ensure it sticks without compromising the cheesecake’s texture.

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Twist: Substitute the strawberry puree with blueberry and swap the strawberry Jell-O for blueberry or leave it plain.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent touch.
• Mixed Berry: Use a blend of berries in the filling and top for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake chilled for the ultimate creamy texture and refreshing taste. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a light sparkling wine, and it’s perfect for dessert tables at parties or as a gorgeous centerpiece for family gatherings.

Conclusion

This Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a treat that brings joy to any occasion. It combines the creamy richness of classic cheesecake with a fresh strawberry flavor and an unforgettable crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Simple yet elegant, it’s a dessert that’s sure to delight and impress!