Ingredients
For the Crust
- 250 g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 120 g melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 600 g cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping (Streusel)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
🥣 Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Saucepan
- Oven
- Spatula
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start with the base.
Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using:
- Food processor, or
- Rolling pin in a plastic bag
You want sand-like texture.
In a bowl mix:
- Crumbs
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Salt
Mix until it looks like wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan. Use a spoon or glass to compact it well.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
This step helps the crust become firm and crunchy.
Let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl combine:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Add cold butter cubes.
Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you get small crumbs.
Do not overmix — you want chunky crumbs.
Place in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Cold butter = better crumble texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
This is the heart of the cake.
Make sure cream cheese is room temperature to avoid lumps.
In a large bowl:
Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add sugar → mix well
Add eggs one at a time → mix gently
Add cream → vanilla → lemon juice
Add cornstarch
Mix until smooth.
Do not overbeat — too much air causes cracks.
Texture should be silky and thick.
Taste a little (yes, you can 😄). It should be lightly sweet and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
Now sprinkle the crumble topping evenly across the surface.
Cover the whole top but don’t press it down.
During baking, it becomes golden and crispy.
This is what gives that beautiful crumbly top you see in the image.
Step 5: Bake Slowly
Bake at:
160°C (320°F) for 55–65 minutes
Low temperature is very important.
The center should still jiggle slightly.
Turn off oven and leave the door slightly open for 30 minutes.
This prevents cracks.
Then cool completely at room temperature.
After that, refrigerate at least 4 hours (best overnight).
Cheesecake always tastes better cold and set.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Sauce
While the cake chills, prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan add:
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
Cook on medium heat until soft.
Mash slightly.
Mix cornstarch with water → add to pan.
Cook until thick and glossy.
Let cool.
It should look like bright red syrup.
Step 7: Serve
Remove cheesecake from pan carefully.
Slice with a warm knife (dip knife in hot water for clean cuts).
Drizzle strawberry sauce on top or on each slice.
Watch it drip down the sides… beautiful and delicious.
Serve chilled.
🍰 Texture & Flavor
You’ll get:
Bottom → crunchy buttery crust
Middle → rich creamy cheesecake
Top → crisp crumble
Sauce → fruity freshness
Sweet + tangy + creamy + crunchy = perfect balance.
🔥 Pro Tips
⭐ Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor
⭐ Don’t overmix batter
⭐ Chill overnight for clean slices
⭐ Always use springform pan
⭐ Add parchment paper for easy removal
🧊 Storage
Fridge → 5 days
Freezer → 2 months
Wrap slices individually.
🌿 Variations
Chocolate
Add melted chocolate to filling
Caramel
Use caramel sauce instead of strawberry
Blueberry
Replace strawberries with blueberries
Lemon
Add lemon zest for citrus flavor
Oreo
Use Oreo crust instead of biscuits
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bakery quality
✅ Creamy and smooth
✅ Crunchy top
✅ Easy ingredients
✅ Make ahead
✅ Perfect for guests
✅ Looks impressive
✅ Tastes incredible
Honestly… this is one of those desserts that disappears FAST.