Description
A creamy, no-bake cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety smooth filling, and a crunchy, sweet strawberry topping—this dessert is bursting with flavor! Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you need a refreshing, fruity treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafer cookies for extra flavor!)
- ½ cup melted butter (to bind the crust together)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 cups whipped cream (homemade or store-bought like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (room temperature for smooth blending)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for just the right sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds warmth and flavor)
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Golden Oreos (or vanilla wafers)
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (for intense strawberry flavor)
- 3 tbsp melted butter (to bind the topping together)
For the Strawberry Topping: (Optional but highly recommended!)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (or strawberry pie filling for a shortcut!)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (to macerate the berries for a syrupy effect)
- ½ tsp lemon juice (enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish.
Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula until fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. (For best results, chill overnight!)
4️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries.
Drizzle in the melted butter and toss to coat evenly.
Set aside until ready to use.
5️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Topping: (Optional but enhances the flavor!)
In a bowl, combine diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.
6️⃣ Decorate and Serve!
Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the top.
Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake, or serve it on the side for extra freshness.
Slice and serve cold!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Shortcut Option: Use store-bought strawberry pie filling if fresh strawberries aren’t available.
- Crunchy Goodness: For an even crunchier texture, toast the Golden Oreos in a dry pan for a minute before mixing with strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours