Chef Mitchell preparing Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight recipe during a summer picnic with friends. The combination of strawberries and cheesecake brought smiles to everyone's faces. After perfecting the recipe over the years, it has become a staple in my dessert repertoire. I love sharing this delightful treat with family and friends!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating delicious dessert recipes. My culinary journey started in a renowned culinary school, leading to the development of numerous beloved recipes. I am passionate about making desserts that bring joy and satisfaction to everyone who tries them.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight served on a plate

Why This Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight Recipe Works

This recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, with creamy cheesecake complemented by fresh strawberries and a crunchy crumble topping. The combination makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and special occasions. The ease of preparation ensures that you can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen.

The technique of folding the strawberries into the cheesecake mixture allows for a burst of fresh flavor in every bite. Additionally, the crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. It’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes!

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling. Also, be careful not to overmix the filling once the eggs are added, as this can create a dense texture. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before chilling to achieve the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator once it has cooled completely. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Both alternatives will give a creamy texture to the filling. Just keep in mind that using Greek yogurt will add a slight tanginess to the cheesecake.

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools. It's important not to overbake, as this can lead to cracks in the cheesecake.

Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

This delightful dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a berry compote for added flavor. Fresh mint leaves make a lovely garnish.

In the refrigerator, Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight will last for about 3-4 days when properly stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to keep it covered, so it stays fresh and delicious for longer.

Yes, making Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight in advance is a great idea. You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop and makes it easier to serve at gatherings or celebrations.

To reheat Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The cheesecake may turn out dry if overbaked or if the cream cheese was not properly incorporated.

Solution: To ensure a moist cheesecake, monitor the baking time closely, and remove it from the oven once the edges are set with a slight jiggle in the center. Using room temperature cream cheese helps with proper mixing.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crumble topping may lack crunch if insufficient butter is used or if it's not baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure to use enough melted butter in the crumble mixture and bake until golden brown. If it’s not crispy, consider broiling it for a minute or two at the end of baking.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the cheesecake is overcooked, it can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, remember that the cheesecake will continue to cook while cooling.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked cheesecake will have a very jiggly center.

Recovery: If you find that the cheesecake is undercooked after the initial baking time, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes while keeping an eye on the edges to prevent overcooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The top of the cheesecake may burn if baked at too high a temperature or for too long.

Prevention: To avoid this, reduce the oven temperature slightly and cover the cheesecake with aluminum foil if the top is browning too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dessert is too sweet, consider adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the dessert tastes too salty, you may need to adjust the sugar levels in future batches or serve with a sweet sauce.

Bland: To enhance flavors, you can add more vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight

Essential Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight

The main ingredients for this dessert include fresh strawberries, which add a burst of flavor, and cream cheese, which provides a rich, creamy texture. The crumble topping is crucial for adding a crunchy element that contrasts with the smooth cheesecake. Each ingredient plays a significant role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Quality ingredients are key to making this dessert stand out. Use fresh, ripe strawberries to ensure maximum flavor. Opt for high-quality cream cheese for a smooth filling, and don’t skimp on the butter in the crumble topping to achieve that golden, crispy texture. Using the best ingredients will elevate your dessert.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Strawberries: Choose strawberries that are bright red and firm. Avoid overripe or mushy berries. For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries in season. If unavailable, you can use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained.
  • Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Allow it to come to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. If you're feeling adventurous, try flavored cream cheeses for a unique twist.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crumble topping to control the salt content. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing. The right amount of butter ensures a perfectly crispy topping.
Cooking process for Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight involves several easy steps that yield impressive results. Start by preparing the crust, followed by mixing the cheesecake filling and incorporating fresh strawberries. Finally, prepare the crumble topping to achieve that delightful crunch. Each step contributes to the overall flavor and texture of this delicious dessert.

To achieve perfect results, be attentive during baking. Monitor the cheesecake closely to prevent overbaking, and allow it to cool before chilling. Proper chilling ensures that the cheesecake sets beautifully, allowing you to slice it neatly for serving.

Key Technique for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight

The key technique to perfecting this dessert lies in the proper incorporation of ingredients. Mixing the cream cheese until smooth and folding in the strawberries gently ensures a light and airy filling. Additionally, achieving the right crumb texture in the topping is crucial for providing that delightful crunch with every bite.

Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    For drizzling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    To balance sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
    For the crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the crust
  • 1 lb cream cheese, softened
    Base for the filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    Sweetens the filling
  • 2 large eggs
    Binding agent
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Flavor enhancer
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
    For mixing and garnishing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
    For creaminess
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For the crumble topping
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    For the crumble topping
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    For the crumble topping
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
    Adds warmth
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    Balances sweetness
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar for garnish
    For finishing touch
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish
    Enhances presentation

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.

  2. Prepare Crust

    In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.

  3. Make Cheesecake Filling

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream.

  4. Add Strawberries

    Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cheesecake mixture, reserving some for the top.

  5. Pour Filling

    Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish.

  6. Prepare Crumble Topping

    In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in butter until crumbly.

  7. Top Cheesecake

    Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cheesecake filling.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the center is set. Remove from oven and let cool.

  9. Serve

    Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh mint.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers of Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will keep it fresh for 3-4 days. Ensure it's covered well to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Delight chilled, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh berry compote can also enhance the flavor. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance.

Recipe Variations

For a twist on this classic recipe, try incorporating different fruits such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with flavored crusts by using chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute some sugar with a natural sweetener.