Ingredients Overview
Using high-quality ingredients is essential for a cheesecake like this. Because the flavors are simple, each ingredient shines.
🍪 Biscuit Crust Ingredients
- 250 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 120 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra depth)
🧁 Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
- 900 g full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
🍓 Strawberry Layer Ingredients
- 2½ cups fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
☁️ Whipped Cream Topping Ingredients
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍫 Decoration Ingredients
- Fresh whole strawberries
- Strawberry halves for sides
- Milk or dark chocolate curls or shavings
🍰 Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Food processor or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Baking tray for water bath
🍪 Preparing the Biscuit Crust
Crush the biscuits finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
Mix the crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a glass for best results.
Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes for extra firmness. Let cool completely.
🍓 Preparing the Strawberries
Wash and hull the strawberries. Slice half of them thinly for embedding into the cheesecake sides.
Chop the remaining strawberries and toss them gently with sugar and lemon juice. Set aside to release their juices.
This step enhances flavor and prevents excess moisture inside the cake.
🧁 Making the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles.
Gradually add sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until just combined and silky smooth.
🍓 Assembling the Cheesecake Layers
Line the inside edge of the springform pan with strawberry slices, pressing them gently against the sides.
Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the crust.
Scatter chopped strawberries evenly across the batter.
Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top and smooth the surface.
🔥 Baking the Cheesecake (Water Bath Method)
Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Place the pan into a large baking tray and fill the tray with hot water halfway up the sides of the pan.
Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 75–90 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open for 1 hour.
This slow cooling prevents cracks.
❄️ Cooling & Chilling
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath.
Allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This step is essential for clean slices and perfect texture.
☁️ Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping
In a chilled bowl, whip the cold cream until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Continue whipping until stiff, fluffy peaks form.
Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
🎂 Decorating the Cheesecake
Pipe whipped cream swirls evenly around the edges of the cheesecake.
Arrange whole strawberries upright between the cream swirls, exactly like in the image.
Scatter chocolate curls or shavings generously in the center.
For extra elegance, lightly glaze strawberries with warmed strawberry jam for shine.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with:
- Fresh strawberry coulis
- Espresso or cappuccino
- Mint leaves for contrast
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
🔁 Recipe Variations
- No-Bake Version: Replace eggs with gelatin and chill instead of baking
- Chocolate Cheesecake: Add melted chocolate to the batter
- Keto Option: Almond flour crust and sugar substitutes
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
- Do not freeze once decorated
- Cheesecake base alone can be frozen for 1 month
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesecake
- Always use room-temperature ingredients
- Mix slowly to avoid cracks
- Never rush the chilling process
- Fresh strawberries give the best visual effect
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and Chocolate is a celebration dessert in every sense—creamy, fruity, elegant, and unforgettable. It looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, yet it’s completely achievable at home with patience and love