No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

Name: No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Vanilla Cream Cookies (about 34 cookies, with a few reserved for the topping); 6 tablespoons Butter, melted; 1 small box (3.3 oz) Strawberry Jello; 1 cup Boiling Water; 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened (2 bricks of 8 oz each); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream; 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar; 10 Strawberry Wafer Cookies (about 4 oz, for extra crunch); Whipped Topping, about half a small tub, thawed and placed into a pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended)

Isabella

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Are you on the lookout for a dessert that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious? Look no further! Our No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests. With a luscious strawberry-infused filling, crunchy cookie crust, and a delightful whipped topping, this cheesecake is sure to become a family favorite. Follow our simple recipe below and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 lb Vanilla Cream Cookies (about 34 cookies, with a few reserved for the topping)

6 tablespoons Butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 small box (3.3 oz) Strawberry Jello

1 cup Boiling Water

16 oz Cream Cheese, softened (2 bricks of 8 oz each)

3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

10 Strawberry Wafer Cookies (about 4 oz, for extra crunch)

For the Topping:

Whipped Topping, about half a small tub, thawed and placed into a pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended)

Directions:

The Crust:

Start by processing 26 vanilla cream cookies into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs well with the melted butter until fully combined.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 10″ springform pan, creating an even crust.

Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.

The Filling:

In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry jello in boiling water. Set it aside to cool, but do not refrigerate.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture in two steps until fully combined.

Once the strawberry jello has cooled, fold it into the cream cheese mixture as well.

Assembling the Cheesecake:

Remove the springform pan from the freezer and spread half of the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture over the crust.

Next, pour half of the strawberry jello mixture over the whipped cream layer.

Repeat the layers with the remaining whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining strawberry jello mixture.

Smooth the top with a spatula and return the cheesecake to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set.

The Topping:

While the cheesecake sets, crush the remaining vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers to create a crunchy topping.

Optionally, add food coloring to achieve a pink hue in the crushed cookie mixture.

After the cheesecake has set, sprinkle the crunchy cookie topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving, garnish the cheesecake with swirls of whipped topping using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.

Slice the cheesecake into generous portions and serve chilled.

Serving Tips:

Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. This ensures that the filling sets properly and the flavors meld together.

Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Enhance the presentation of your cheesecake by garnishing each slice with fresh strawberries. The vibrant colors and juicy sweetness of the berries complement the creamy cheesecake perfectly.

Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, consider drizzling each slice with homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce. This adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to your dessert.

Serve with Whipped Cream: Accompany each slice of cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds a light and airy contrast to the rich cheesecake, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve your strawberry cheesecake alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience. The warm, comforting beverages complement the sweetness of the cheesecake and create a cozy atmosphere for your guests.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate Properly: After serving, store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration helps maintain the freshness and integrity of the cheesecake for several days.

Avoid Freezing Whipped Topping: If you have leftover whipped topping, refrain from freezing it as it may lose its texture and become grainy when thawed. Instead, use it within a few days for other desserts or as a topping for hot cocoa or milkshakes.

Freeze Individual Slices: To prolong the shelf life of the cheesecake, consider slicing it into individual portions and wrapping each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Frozen cheesecake slices can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.

Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy a frozen slice of cheesecake, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process ensures that the cheesecake retains its creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: When storing the cheesecake in the refrigerator, place it away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent any melting or softening of the dessert.

Related recipes:

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While vanilla cream cookies provide a delicious base for this cheesecake, you can experiment with other cookie varieties to customize the flavor. Graham crackers, chocolate cookies, or even shortbread cookies can be used as alternatives for the crust. Simply adjust the quantities as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Is it necessary to freeze the cheesecake at various stages of assembly?

Freezing the cheesecake at certain stages helps to firm up the layers and maintain the structural integrity of the dessert. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can opt to refrigerate the cheesecake instead. Keep in mind that the chilling time may need to be extended to ensure that the filling sets properly.

Can I make this cheesecake in advance for a special occasion?

Yes, you can prepare this cheesecake in advance to streamline your party or event planning. Simply follow the recipe instructions and store the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It’s recommended to garnish with whipped topping just before serving for the freshest presentation. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer-term storage.

Can I omit the whipped topping garnish?

Certainly! While the whipped topping adds a decorative touch to the cheesecake, it is optional and can be omitted if desired. If you prefer a lighter finish, you can also substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream or serve the cheesecake plain. Feel free to customize the garnish according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our pink strawberry cheesecake, a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its creamy texture, crunchy crust, and bursts of strawberry goodness, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow our easy recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss today!