Strawberry Cheesecake

🍓 Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup evaporated milk

Strawberry Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. 2
   Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in condensed milk and evaporated milk until smooth.
3. 3
   Pour filling over crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
4. 4
   Turn oven off. Crack door open and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Then cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. 5
   Make the sauce: Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until berries soften and sauce thickens. Cool before serving.
6. 6
   Slice cheesecake and top generously with strawberry sauce. Enjoy!

🌿 Health Benefits

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Cream cheese provides calcium and protein. While cheesecake is an indulgent dessert, the strawberry topping adds real nutritional value. Enjoy a slice as a special treat!

📚 History

Cheesecake has ancient roots — the ancient Greeks served a simple cheese and honey dessert called “libum” at weddings and religious ceremonies. The modern American cheesecake was made possible by the invention of cream cheese in the 1870s. New York-style cheesecake became iconic in the early 20th century. The addition of fresh strawberry topping transformed it into one of the most beloved desserts in the world.

❓ Quiz