Instructions
- 1
Make crust: combine crumbs and butter. Press into greased 9-inch springform pan, up the sides. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.
- 2
Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Mix in vanilla.
- 3
Add eggs one at a time on low speed. Stir in heavy cream.
- 4
Pour over crust. Bake in water bath at 325°F for 65-70 minutes.
- 5
Cool in oven 1 hour with door cracked. Refrigerate overnight.
- 6
Make topping: cook 250g sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice 8 minutes until saucy. Cool completely.
- 7
Fold remaining whole strawberries into cooled sauce.
- 8
Pour topping generously over chilled cheesecake. Pipe whipped cream rosettes around edge.
Baker's Tip
For the most dramatic dripping effect, pour the strawberry sauce while it is still slightly warm over the cold cheesecake — the temperature difference creates the perfect glossy drip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Yes, for the cooked sauce portion. Frozen strawberries release more juice which actually helps create a thicker sauce. However, use fresh strawberries for the whole berries on top — frozen thaw watery and soft.
How do I get perfectly straight slices?
Use a long sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between every single cut. Cold cheesecake cuts cleanest — serve directly from the fridge and do not let it sit at room temperature before slicing.
My strawberry topping is too thin and runny, how do I fix it?
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, stir into the warm sauce and cook 2 more minutes until thickened. Or cook the sauce down longer over medium heat until it reduces and coats a spoon.
Can I skip the water bath?
You can, but you risk cracks and uneven baking. As an alternative, place a pan of boiling water on the rack below the cheesecake — the steam mimics a water bath without risking a soggy crust.
About This Recipe
A showstopper strawberry cheesecake with a thick buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese filling and a glossy homemade strawberry topping that drips dramatically down the sides.
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