Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
A No-Bake Summer Dream: Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
This strawberry crunch cheesecake is creamy, packed with strawberry flavor, and topped with loads of strawberry sauce and crunch. It’s the perfect no-bake summer dessert! The cheesecake uses a strawberry jello packet to help it set and give it loads of strawberry flavor. Whipped cream is folded in for an airy texture and it’s topped off with homemade strawberry sauce, an easy strawberry crunch, and more whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No bake: You don’t have to turn your oven on and even though there are a lot of components, it’s actually very easy to make.
- Strawberry flavor: Strawberry jello mix and homemade strawberry sauce give the cheesecake loads of strawberry flavor that actually tastes very good!
- Creamy: The texture is ultra creamy while still holding its shape.
- Two colors: Two different colors and flavors of filling in one cheesecake couldn’t be easier to make.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 10″ springform pan
- Pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended)
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 lb Vanilla Cream Cookies (about 34 cookies, with a few reserved for the topping)
- 6 tablespoons Butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 small box (3.3 oz) Strawberry Jello
- 1 cup Boiling Water
- 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened (2 bricks of 8 oz each)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 10 Strawberry Wafer Cookies (about 4 oz, for extra crunch)
For the Topping:
- Whipped Topping, about half a small tub, thawed and placed into a pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
The Crust:
- Process 26 vanilla cream cookies into fine crumbs and blend well with the melted butter.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 10″ springform pan and set in the freezer for 15 minutes.
The Filling:
- Dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water and let it cool (do not refrigerate).
- Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture and cooled strawberry jello in two steps.
- Layer half of the whipped cream mixture over the crust, followed by half of the strawberry jello mixture. Freeze for 15 minutes, then add the remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining strawberry mixture.
The Topping:
- Crush the remaining vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers. Add food coloring for a pinker hue if desired.
- Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the cheesecake and refrigerate for 4 hours to set.
- Garnish with swirls of whipped topping before serving.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Be gentle when folding whipped cream into the mixture to maintain its airy texture.
- Allow enough time for the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for the best results.
Additional Tips and Variations
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Try using different flavored jello for a unique twist.
- For a more vibrant color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the jello mixture.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! Graham crackers or digestive biscuits work well as alternatives.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave something sweet and fruity. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness. We’d love to hear about your experience, so don’t forget to share your thoughts and any creative variations you tried!