Description

Indulge in the ultimate summer dessert with this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. This no-bake delight layers a crunchy vanilla cookie crust, a creamy strawberry-infused filling, and a signature strawberry crunch topping. It’s a refreshing, rich, and perfectly balanced treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cheesecake is a beautiful, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer without turning on your oven.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1lb Vanilla Cream Cookies (about 34 cookies, with a few reserved for the topping)

6 tablespoons Butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 small box (3.3 oz) Strawberry Jello

1 cup Boiling Water

16 oz Cream Cheese, softened (2 bricks of 8 oz each)

3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

10 Strawberry Wafer Cookies (about 4 oz, for extra crunch)

For the Topping:

Whipped Topping, about half a small tub, thawed and placed into a pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended)

Instructions

The Crust:

Process 26 vanilla cream cookies into fine crumbs and blend well with the melted butter.

Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 10″ springform pan and set in the freezer for 15 minutes.

The Filling:

Dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water and let it cool (do not refrigerate).

Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture and cooled strawberry jello in two steps.

Layer half of the whipped cream mixture over the crust, followed by half of the strawberry jello mixture. Freeze for 15 minutes, then add the remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining strawberry mixture.

The Topping:

Crush the remaining vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers. Add food coloring for a pinker hue if desired.

Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the cheesecake and refrigerate for 4 hours to set.

Garnish with swirls of whipped topping before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for preparing in advance. Completing it a day or two before serving allows the flavors to intensify and the cheesecake to set perfectly.
Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled. For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla cookies just before serving.
Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture. For longer storage, freeze as directed in the FAQs section.
Customization: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your taste by experimenting with different crust options or substituting the strawberries for other fruits. The versatility of this recipe makes it a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Allergy Information: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies for the crust and check all ingredient labels for hidden gluten. Dairy-free alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version, but adjustments to texture and taste may be necessary.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American