Description
A rich and elegant dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries with creamy cheesecake, topped with chocolate ganache and fresh berries.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups (about 240 g) graham-cracker crumbs (or cookie crumbs)
6 tablespoons (≈ 85 g) salted butter, melted
3 (8‑oz) packages (≈ 680 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (≈ 150 g) fresh strawberries, chopped, processed to a puree
6 ounces (≈170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup (≈56 g) salted butter
4 teaspoons light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
About 2 cups fresh strawberries, whole and halved (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside in heavy-duty foil.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 7–8 minutes, then cool for 30 minutes.
- Process 1 cup of chopped strawberries into a smooth puree and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add remaining sugar and flour, mixing well.
- Add eggs one at a time, then add the egg yolk, lemon zest, vanilla, and strawberry puree. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight.
- To make the ganache, melt chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly. Top with whole and halved fresh strawberries.
- Chill briefly to set the ganache, then remove the springform ring, slice, and serve.
Notes
Swap graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer crust.
Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
Add a splash of strawberry liqueur to the puree for a boozy variation.
White chocolate ganache can be used as an elegant alternative.
Cheesecake can be frozen without the fresh strawberry topping for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
