White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with the sweetness of white chocolate and the freshness of strawberries. This cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and velvety filling made with cream cheese and white chocolate, and a luscious strawberry topping that adds a beautiful burst of color and flavor. The decadent combination of these ingredients makes for an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What sets this cheesecake apart is its balance of flavors—the creamy white chocolate cheesecake filling paired with the sweet-tart strawberry topping makes each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just for a cozy night in, this White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Creamy Texture
The cheesecake filling is luxuriously smooth and creamy, with the white chocolate adding an extra layer of richness that takes it to the next level.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of sweet white chocolate and the tangy strawberry topping creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s not too sweet, yet incredibly satisfying.
3. Visually Stunning
The bright red strawberries atop the creamy cheesecake make this dessert a showstopper at any event. It’s not just delicious, it’s beautiful too!
4. Classic Cheesecake with a Twist
If you love classic cheesecake but are looking for something a little different, this white chocolate variation is a delicious twist that adds complexity to the flavor while keeping the familiar, comforting texture.
5. Easy to Prepare
Although this cheesecake looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- Unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Large eggs
- White chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- Sugar
- Cornstarch (mixed with water)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh strawberries
Variations
Berry Medley Topping
While strawberries are the star of this topping, you can make a mixed berry topping with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Crust Variation
If you prefer a different crust, you can substitute graham crackers with chocolate cookies for a richer base or use crushed nuts for added crunch.
Add a Little Lemon Zest
For a subtle citrus note, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling. The brightness of lemon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the white chocolate and strawberries.
Chocolate Drizzle
For extra decadence, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the finished cheesecake before serving.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in the melted white chocolate until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when moved. If the edges are getting too dark, cover them with aluminum foil. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the strawberries begin to release their juices. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, spread the strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the cheesecake to fully set.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, and fresh strawberries if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Overmixing the cheesecake filling can cause cracks during baking. Mix just until smooth and fully combined.
- Prevent Cracking: To prevent cracks in the cheesecake, avoid opening the oven door during baking. Also, letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven can help reduce the chances of cracking.
- Allow to Cool Completely: Let the cheesecake cool completely before adding the topping and refrigerating. This will ensure the layers set properly.
How to Serve
White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays. Serve it as the main dessert at your next dinner party or as a treat for your family to enjoy together. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover it well to preserve its freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
While cheesecake is best served chilled, if you’d like to warm it up slightly, place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off.
FAQs
1. Can I use a pre-made crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time. Just ensure it’s a 9-inch size to fit the filling.
2. How can I make the cheesecake less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
3. Can I make this cheesecake without the white chocolate?
While the white chocolate adds richness, you can leave it out for a simpler cheesecake or substitute it with dark chocolate for a different flavor.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for the topping, but you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
5. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
6. Can I add other fruits to the topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to add raspberries, blueberries, or even kiwi to the topping for a colorful twist.
7. What if my cheesecake cracks?
If your cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! You can cover it with the strawberry topping, and the cracks will be less noticeable. Alternatively, you can try reducing the oven temperature next time.
8. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
You can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a different flavor, though this will alter the taste of the cheesecake.
9. Do I need to use a springform pan?
A springform pan is ideal for cheesecake as it allows you to remove the sides easily. However, you can use a regular cake pan if needed, though it may be harder to remove.
10. Can I make individual-sized cheesecakes?
Yes, you can make mini cheesecakes by using a muffin tin and lining it with paper liners. Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its rich, creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and refreshing strawberry topping, it’s a perfect choice for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, this cheesecake will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
PrintWhite Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy and rich flavors of this White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky white chocolate-infused cheesecake filling, and a fresh, fruity strawberry topping. This cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh strawberries for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafer cookies)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz white chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
- You can use store-bought crust (such as a pre-made graham cracker crust) to save time.
- For a smoother texture, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before beating.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the strawberry topping by adding more or less sugar depending on the ripeness of the strawberries.
Notes
- You can use store-bought crust (such as a pre-made graham cracker crust) to save time.
- For a smoother texture, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before beating.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the strawberry topping by adding more or less sugar depending on the ripeness of the strawberries.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (excluding cooling/chilling time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake, Cheesecake with White Chocolate, Strawberry Topping, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Cheesecake Dessert, Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake