Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake (Print)

Luscious cheesecake meets sweet strawberry swirls on a crisp graham crust, perfect for celebrating or indulging.

# Ingredients:

→ Strawberry Sauce

01 - 225 grams fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
02 - 50 grams granulated sugar
03 - 15 millilitres lemon juice
04 - 8 grams cornstarch mixed with 15 millilitres water

→ Crust

05 - 150 grams graham cracker crumbs
06 - 67 grams granulated sugar
07 - 115 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

08 - 680 grams cream cheese, softened
09 - 200 grams granulated sugar
10 - 3 large eggs
11 - 5 millilitres vanilla extract
12 - 240 grams sour cream
13 - 60 millilitres heavy cream

# Steps:

01 - Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened.
02 - Mash the softened strawberries with a potato masher or fork to create a puree. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely. Strain for a smooth texture, if desired.
03 - Preheat oven to 160°C. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press mixture into the base of a 23-centimetre springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool.
04 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and airy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Pour filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface. Drop spoonfuls of cooled strawberry sauce onto the filling. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the sauce, creating a marbled effect.
06 - Place springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour 2–5 centimetres hot water around the cheesecake to form a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes until edges are set and the centre slightly jiggles.
07 - Turn off the oven. Leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door ajar for 1 hour. Remove from water bath and cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to set completely.
08 - Run a sharp knife around the edge of the cooled cheesecake before releasing the springform ring. Slice and serve with additional strawberry sauce or fresh strawberries if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Always allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing for a lump-free, silky texture.
02 - A water bath and gradual cooling prevent cracks in baked cheesecakes.