Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a nostalgic, creamy dessert that combines the smoothness of cheesecake with the crunch of a cookie crumble topping and a sweet strawberry flavor. It’s the perfect treat for summer, evoking memories of ice cream truck snacks with its vibrant colors and delicious texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy cheesecake filling topped with a sweet, crunchy crumble. The strawberry gelatin gives it a refreshing berry flavor, while the crushed cookies provide a satisfying crunch. Plus, this cheesecake is no-bake, so it’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. It’s a fun twist on the traditional cheesecake and will impress your friends and family every time!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 lb vanilla cream cookies (about 34 cookies), divided

• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 small box (3.3 oz) strawberry gelatin

• 1 cup boiling water

• 2 bricks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 10 strawberry wafer cookies (about 4 oz)

For the Topping:

• Half a small tub of whipped topping, thawed and placed in a pastry bag with a star tip

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Place 26 of the vanilla cream cookies into a food processor and process until they form fine crumbs.

   • Add the melted butter to the crumbs and process until the mixture has a crumbly, wet sand-like texture.

   • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 10-inch springform pan to form the crust.

   • Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to set.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a bowl, combine the boiling water and strawberry gelatin. Stir for 2 minutes until dissolved. Set aside to cool (do not refrigerate).

   • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Set aside.

   • In another bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

   • Divide the whipped cream mixture in half. Add one half to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth. Add the other half to the cooled gelatin mixture and whisk until smooth.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake:

   • Pour half of the strawberry gelatin mixture onto the crust. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.

   • After 15 minutes, remove from the freezer and add the cream cheese mixture on top.

   • Top with the remaining strawberry gelatin mixture.

4. Prepare the Crunch Topping:

   • Coarsely crush the remaining vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers using a tart shaper or by placing them in a sandwich bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.

   • If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the crushed cookies and mix to color.

   • Mix both the crushed vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers together, then sprinkle the mixture on top of the cheesecake.

5. Chill:

   • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until it is set and ready to serve.

6. Serve:

   • Before serving, top with whipped topping from the pastry bag, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)

• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Add Fruit: Top the cheesecake with fresh strawberries or other berries for added texture and flavor.

• Different Toppings: You can use crushed graham crackers, crushed chocolate cookies, or even a combination of different wafer cookies for the crunchy topping.

• No-Gelatin Version: If you prefer a less gelatinous texture, you can omit the gelatin and use more whipped cream for a creamier filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

• Freezing: The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of gelatin?

Yes, you can use other fruit-flavored gelatin like raspberry, cherry, or blueberry for a different twist on the classic recipe.

2. Can I make this cheesecake without the whipped topping?

Yes, you can top the cheesecake with more homemade whipped cream or a different type of topping like cream cheese frosting.

3. How do I know when the cheesecake is fully set?

The cheesecake is set when the filling is firm and not jiggly. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to ensure it’s properly set.

4. Can I make the cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it’s best when it has had time to chill and the flavors have melded together.

5. Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, if you don’t have a 10-inch springform pan, you can use a 9-inch pan, but the cheesecake will be slightly thicker, so you may need to adjust the setting time.

6. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use any deep dish pie or cake pan, but it might be harder to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Just be sure to line the pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy removal.

7. Can I freeze individual slices?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices of the cheesecake. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

8. Can I add more topping to the cheesecake?

Feel free to top the cheesecake with more of your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or more crushed cookies.

9. Can I use a different type of cookies for the crust?

Yes, you can use any type of cookie you like for the crust, such as graham crackers or even chocolate cookies, for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I make this cheesecake without the food coloring in the topping?

Yes, the food coloring is optional. It just adds a bit of fun color to the topping, but you can skip it if you prefer a more natural look.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a fun and delicious twist on traditional cheesecake, with a creamy filling and crunchy topping that make each bite irresistible. It’s a perfect summer dessert, combining the refreshing flavors of strawberry with the nostalgia of crunchy cookies. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or a treat for yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress!