Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory features a smooth, creamy cheesecake layered on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with vibrant, juicy strawberries and a glossy strawberry glaze, delivering a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors with a luscious, velvety texture.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Food processor (optional, for crust)
- Springform pan
- Baking sheet (optional, for water bath)
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cooling rack
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Graham crackers
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Heavy cream
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Lemon juice
- Fresh strawberries
- Strawberry jam
- Cornstarch
- Water
Graham crackers should be finely crushed for the buttery crust to hold together well, while unsalted butter must be melted but not hot when mixed. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake base without lumps. Fresh strawberries should be ripe and firm for the best flavor and texture when layered on top, and using strawberry jam combined with cornstarch helps create a thick, glossy glaze that stays vibrant. Sour cream and heavy cream contribute to the cheesecake's velvety texture and slight tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly. This Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory copycat menu replicates the iconic dessert's silky, rich layers and bright strawberry topping, ideal for impressing your guests.
Instructions
- Preheat oven.
- Prepare springform pan with aluminum foil.
- Crush graham crackers (use food processor or rolling pin).
- Combine graham crackers, melted butter, and some sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Press crust mixture firmly into bottom of pan.
- Bake crust briefly; let cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese in mixing bowl with mixer until smooth.
- Add sugar and flour; mix well.
- Beat in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Pour filling over crust in pan and smooth top.
- Place pan in water bath on baking sheet (optional, for even baking).
- Bake cheesecake until set; cool gradually in oven with door cracked.
- Chill completely in refrigerator.
- Rinse, hull, and slice fresh strawberries on cutting board.
- Heat strawberry jam in saucepan with a little water and cornstarch, whisking until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Arrange strawberries on chilled cheesecake.
- Spoon or brush strawberry glaze evenly over berries.
- Refrigerate to set topping.
- Run knife around edge of cheesecake, release springform pan.
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory copycat menu can be made with crushed digestive biscuits if graham crackers are unavailable, providing a similar crumbly texture for the crust. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or creme fraiche to maintain the creamy richness in the cheesecake filling. Fresh strawberries in the topping can be replaced with frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture. If strawberry jam is not on hand, use preserves or a quick homemade sauce made with sugar and lemon juice for the glaze. Your cheesecake will benefit from chilling overnight to allow proper setting and flavor melding.
Tips
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating to achieve a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps. When mixing eggs into the batter, add them one at a time and mix on low speed to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking. Wrapping the springform pan with aluminum foil securely prevents water from the water bath leaking in and ensures gentle, even baking. When glazing the strawberries, cool the jam mixture slightly to prevent melting the fruit topping, preserving its vibrant appearance on Your cheesecake.
Nutritions
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory provides a rich source of calcium and protein from cream cheese and heavy cream, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance. The graham cracker crust adds dietary fiber and carbohydrates for energy, while fresh strawberries contribute antioxidants, vitamins C and dietary fiber, supporting immune function and digestion. The dessert is relatively high in sugar and fat, so moderation is key to enjoying your cheesecake without excessive calorie intake. Balancing this indulgence with your overall daily nutritional needs helps maintain a healthy diet.
Storage
Store your Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to prevent spoilage and ensure the strawberry glaze remains glossy and intact. Consume the cheesecake within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap graham crackers with digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers to alter the crust's flavor profile. You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier cheesecake filling while maintaining creaminess. Instead of fresh strawberries, try using mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries for a more complex fruit topping. You might also prepare the strawberry glaze using fresh strawberry puree thickened with gelatin for a more natural and less sweet finish that highlights your berry choice.
Allergies
Your Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory contains common allergens such as dairy from cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, and butter, as well as eggs and wheat from the all-purpose flour and graham crackers. Individuals with lactose intolerance or egg and gluten allergies should exercise caution when consuming this dessert. Always check ingredient lists and consult with a healthcare professional if you have severe allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake from Cheesesteak Factory blends creamy richness with vibrant strawberry freshness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that delight the palate. The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake paired with a buttery graham cracker crust offers a satisfying experience that stands out among desserts. You will appreciate how easy it is to replicate this indulgent treat at home, using simple ingredients to recreate the restaurant's signature taste. Making your own copycat version lets you enjoy this crowd-pleasing dessert anytime while customizing sweetness and freshness to your preference.