Ingredients
Scale
**Cheesecake Crust:**
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 190g)
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp melted unsalted butter
**Cheesecake Batter:**
- 4 packages (8 oz each full-fat cream cheese, softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (about 325g)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (at room temperature)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
**Strawberry Compote:**
- 1 lb strawberries (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup sugar (about 55g)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh strawberries for optional decoration
Instructions
**Cheesecake:**
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Blend graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Butter the bottom of a 9” springform pan and press in the crust mixture tightly.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- Cream the cream cheese until smooth, add sugar and mix well.
- Lightly whisk eggs and add them slowly to the batter, mixing at low speed until just combined.
- Add cream, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the crust, seal pan with foil, and place it in a water-filled tray.
- Bake for 75-80 minutes. Do not open the oven. The cheesecake should have firm edges and a jiggly center.
- Cool at room temp for 2-3 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
**Strawberry Compote:**
- Mix strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until saucy and thick. Let it cool.
- Transfer the chilled cheesecake to a serving stand, cover with strawberry compote.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use full-fat ingredients for the best results.
- If graham crackers are unavailable, try wheat digestive biscuits.
- Ensure a tight springform pan to prevent water leakage.
- Let the cheesecake cool overnight for the ideal texture.
- Feel free to swap strawberries with your favorite berries!