Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
If you’re short on graham crackers, digestive biscuits work just as well. And for a citrusy twist, consider adding some orange zest to the filling. My abuela always said, “Cooking is about what you have, not what you think you need,” and I carry that wisdom with me every day.
Instructions
Now, let’s bring this delicious vision to life! Follow these simple steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- For the topping, combine the fresh strawberries, strawberry jam, and lemon juice in a bowl. Spoon over the set cheesecake just before serving.
As you assemble the layers, remember that patience is key. My abuela would often remind us that good things take time, a lesson I’ve carried into every dish I create.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International