Description
A luscious and decadent cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache topped with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or chocolate wafer cookies)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an hour to cool. Remove from the oven, cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat the heavy cream for the ganache until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Once the ganache is thickened, pour it over the chilled cheesecake and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes for the ganache to set.
- Slice the strawberries and set aside. For a glossy finish, heat the strawberry jam in a saucepan until liquid, then brush it over the strawberries.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cheesecake in any design you prefer once the ganache is set.
Notes
Consider using a water bath during baking to avoid cracks. Chill the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor.