Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Dessert (Printable Version)
Layers of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and crispy graham cracker topping make this an irresistible dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ Crust & Crunch Topping
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
→ Cheesecake Filling
06 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
→ Strawberry Layer
10 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
11 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
03 - Spread half of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–15 minutes until slightly golden and crisp. Let cool completely. Reserve remaining half for layering.
04 - Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat again until creamy.
05 - Whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
06 - Combine diced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Toss and set aside for 10 minutes to macerate.
07 - Layer in a 9x9-inch dish or individual glasses: half the baked crunch, half the cheesecake filling, fresh strawberry mixture, remaining cheesecake filling, and reserved unbaked crunch mixture. Sprinkle with white chocolate chips if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The contrast between creamy cheesecake and crispy strawberry studded crunch is absolutely addictive
- You can assemble it ahead and pull it out right before guests arrive looking like you spent hours
02 -
- Room temperature cream cheese eliminates lumps—cold cream cheese will fight you every step of the way
- The unbaked top layer stays wonderfully crisp while the baked layer becomes slightly softer and cookie like
03 -
- Crush the freeze dried strawberries inside a sealed bag to contain the powdery mess
- The unbaked crunch topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container