why make this recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks are a delightful treat that combines creamy cheesecake with crunchy textures and fresh strawberries. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a sweet moment at home. Each bite brings a burst of flavor and a fun crunch that everyone loves. Plus, they can be served in various ways, making them versatile for any occasion.
how to make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 24 ounces cream cheese, let it get soft
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 cups crumbs from graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries or you can use strawberry Jell-O powder
- 1 1/2 cups golden Oreo cookies, crushed up
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- White chocolate, melted, to drizzle over top
- More strawberry crunch mix, for sprinkling
Directions:
- Set your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment and grease it well.
- In a big bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs look damp. Press this mixture into the bottom of your lined pan, packing it down tight. Bake for about 10 minutes, then let it cool down.
- In a different bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one by one, mixing in between. Finally, stir in the vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese filling over your cooled crust and smooth it out. Bake for about 40–45 minutes until it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Let it cool on the counter, then place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a pan, mix chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the fruit softens and juices thicken, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Combine golden Oreo crumbles, melted butter, and either freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry Jell-O powder in a bowl. Stir until everything is coated and let it sit for a bit.
- Once the cheesecake is chilled, lift it out and chop it into your desired pieces. Place the chunks on a plate or tray.
- Drizzle a little strawberry sauce on each, scatter with strawberry crunch, zigzag melted white chocolate on top, and add extra crunch if you like.
- Serve your delicious cheesecake chunks cold, perfect as small bites or as a lovely plated dessert.
how to serve Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
These cheesecake chunks are best served cold. You can place them on individual dessert plates or a nice platter. For a fancy touch, drizzle with strawberry sauce and melted white chocolate just before serving.
how to store Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
Store any leftover cheesecake chunks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap the pieces well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake; it should be a bit jiggly in the center when you take it out.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by tweaking the amount of sugar if you prefer it less sweet.
- For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts or a variety of cookies to the crust.
variation (if any)
You can customize the flavor by using different types of cookies in the crust, such as chocolate sandwich cookies or even homemade cookie crumbs. Additionally, experiment with different freeze-dried fruit or flavored Jell-O for unique tastes!
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones, but keep in mind that the texture of the crunch mix might change a bit.
How long does it take to prepare these cheesecake chunks?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, but after baking, it needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham crackers and gluten-free cookies for the crunch mix to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.