White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is one of those desserts that feels indulgent yet elegant, perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or just treating yourself. The creamy richness of white chocolate combined with the tangy sweetness of fresh strawberries makes every bite a perfect harmony of flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a luscious strawberry topping, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

This guide will give you step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make the perfect cheesecake every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• Luxuriously creamy texture

• Sweet, yet balanced by fresh strawberries

• Stunning presentation for parties or holidays

• Can be made ahead of time

• Flexible: use fresh or frozen strawberries

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Ingredients (Serves 12–14)

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped and melted

• ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (optional, can swirl into filling)

For the Strawberry Topping

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, optional)

Optional Garnishes

• White chocolate shavings

• Fresh strawberry halves

• Whipped cream

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Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Spatula

• Saucepan for topping

• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for white chocolate

• Aluminum foil (for water bath)

• Knife and cutting board

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

3. Add melted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly coated.

4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed cup to create an even layer.

5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

Tip: Wrapping the bottom of the pan with foil helps prevent water from the water bath from leaking in during baking.

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Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

1. Chop the white chocolate into small pieces for even melting.

2. Melt gently over a double boiler or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring each time until smooth.

3. Set aside to cool slightly, but ensure it stays pourable.

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Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.

4. Stir in the melted white chocolate and sour cream/heavy cream.

5. If desired, gently fold in chopped strawberries for bursts of fruit throughout the cheesecake.

Tip: Make sure the melted chocolate is not too hot; otherwise, it can curdle the cream cheese.

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Step 4: Prepare the Pan for Baking

• Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan for a water bath.

• Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.

• The water bath prevents cracks by providing even, gentle heat.

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Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

2. Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 55–70 minutes.

   • The edges should be set, but the center should still wobble slightly when you gently shake the pan.

3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking.

4. Remove from oven and water bath. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Tip: Avoid opening the oven during baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracks.

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Step 6: Chill the Cheesecake

• Cover the cooled cheesecake with plastic wrap or foil.

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

• This step allows the cheesecake to set fully and makes slicing easier.

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Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Cook until strawberries release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.

3. If a thicker topping is desired, add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.

4. Let cool slightly before spooning over the cheesecake.

Tip: You can also use fresh, uncooked strawberries for a lighter, fresher topping.

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Step 8: Assemble and Garnish

1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan carefully.

2. Spoon or pour the strawberry topping evenly over the top.

3. Add white chocolate shavings, whole strawberries, or whipped cream as desired.

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Step 9: Slice and Serve

• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean pieces.

• Wipe the knife clean between slices for neat presentation.

• Cheesecake is best served chilled.

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Texture and Flavor Profile

• Smooth, creamy filling with white chocolate sweetness

• Slightly tangy cheesecake balance from cream cheese

• Sweet, slightly tart strawberries

• Buttery, firm graham cracker crust

The white chocolate adds a delicate flavor without overpowering the strawberries.

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Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smooth filling.

2. Avoid Overmixing Eggs: Prevents cracks.

3. Water Bath: Essential for crack-free, creamy cheesecake.

4. Slow Cooling: Reduces shrinkage and cracking.

5. Use Fresh Strawberries: For vibrant flavor and color.

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Make-Ahead Options

• Cheesecake can be baked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

• Strawberry topping can also be prepared ahead and stored separately.

• For longer storage, cheesecake slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months.

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Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted milk or dark chocolate over the filling before baking.

2. Strawberry Puree Swirl: Gently swirl strawberry puree into the cheesecake before baking for a marbled effect.

3. Nut Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed almonds or pecans for extra texture.

4. Lighter Version: Substitute half the cream cheese with ricotta and use low-fat cream.

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Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Cracked Cheesecake: Usually caused by overmixing, sudden temperature changes, or overbaking. Solution: use water bath, gentle mixing, slow cooling.

• Sinking Center: Caused by underbaking or too much water in water bath. Bake until edges are set but center slightly wobbly.

• Watery Topping: If strawberries release too much juice, simmer longer or add cornstarch slurry.

• Dry Edges: Avoid overbaking and remove from oven as soon as edges set.

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Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day

• Pair with coffee, tea, or sparkling wine

• Can be served with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence

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Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped individually in plastic and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Nutritional Notes

• Rich in protein from cream cheese and eggs

• High in calories and fat due to white chocolate and cream—enjoy in moderation

• Strawberries add vitamins and antioxidants

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Step-by-Step Summary

1. Prepare crust and bake

2. Melt white chocolate

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, add white chocolate and cream

4. Layer into springform pan

5. Bake in water bath

6. Cool slowly, chill in fridge

7. Make strawberry topping

8. Pour topping over cheesecake

9. Garnish and serve

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Final Thoughts

White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With careful preparation, attention to temperature, and patience, you can achieve a creamy, crack-free cheesecake topped with luscious strawberries. The combination of creamy white chocolate filling, buttery crust, and fresh strawberries makes it a dessert that is sure to become a favorite in any household or celebration.

Whether served for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this cheesecake delivers elegance and flavor that will impress everyone. The key is patience, quality ingredients, and gentle handling—then every slice will be perfect.