This strawberry crumble cheesecake is the ultimate delightful dessert for anyone who loves creamy cheesecake, buttery crumble, and bright strawberry flavor all in one bite. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake filling swirled with strawberry preserves, and a crisp cinnamon crumble on top, this dessert looks stunning and tastes even better.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake
- A beautiful showstopper that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, and gatherings.
- Full of texture — creamy center, crunchy crumble topping, and a buttery crust.
- Classic strawberry flavor swirled right into the filling for bursts of sweetness.
- No special equipment needed, just a mixer and a springform pan.
- Bakes evenly and cleanly using a simple water bath technique.
- Can be made ahead, making it an entertainer-friendly dessert.
Ingredients for Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Melted unsalted butter
For the Crumble Topping
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Superfine granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Strawberry preserves
For the Glaze
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Milk
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Crust options:
Instead of graham crackers, try crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even golden Oreos for extra sweetness. - Cream cheese:
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Light cream cheese works but will slightly reduce richness. - Sour cream substitute:
Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter but still tangy finish. - Strawberry preserves:
You can use homemade or store-bought. Raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves also work beautifully. - Crumble topping:
Add chopped pecans or almonds for a nutty twist, or swap cinnamon with cardamom for a unique flavor. - Glaze:
Any milk works; use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Crust
Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring an even layer. Set aside while you prepare the filling and crumble.
Step 2 – Make the Crumble Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside to sprinkle on top of the cheesecake later.
Step 3 – Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing just until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
Step 4 – Add the Strawberry Swirl
Gently fold in spoonfuls of strawberry preserves, creating thick ribbons throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix — you want visible swirls.
Step 5 – Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Add more strawberry preserves on top and use a knife to swirl them gently. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly across the surface.
Step 6 – Bake in a Water Bath
Wrap the outside of the springform pan with heavy-duty foil. Place it inside a larger baking dish and pour hot water into the outer dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan.
Bake for 85–90 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. This gentle method helps prevent cracks and ensures a beautifully smooth texture.
Step 7 – Cool and Chill
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door cracked for 1 hour. Remove it from the water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 8 – Add the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth and drizzle over the chilled cheesecake. Slice and enjoy!
Delightful Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This strawberry crumble cheesecake is the ultimate delightful dessert for anyone who loves creamy cheesecake, buttery crumble, and bright strawberry flavor all in one bite.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Melted unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Superfine granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Strawberry preserves
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Milk
Instructions
- Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined and press into the pan.
- Combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter to make crumble.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, then mix. Add eggs one at a time on low speed.
- Fold in strawberry preserves gently to create swirls.
- Pour filling over crust, add more preserves on top, swirl lightly, and sprinkle crumble over the surface.
- Wrap pan in foil, place in a larger dish, add hot water halfway up the sides, and bake for 85–90 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles.
- Cool in oven for 1 hour with door cracked, then cool completely and chill at least 4 hours.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze and drizzle over the chilled cheesecake.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients, don’t overmix after adding eggs, always use a water bath, and chill thoroughly for the cleanest slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients — cold cream cheese can create lumps.
- Don’t skip the water bath — it guarantees an even, creamy texture.
- Avoid overmixing the filling once eggs are added.
- Chill fully before slicing to help it set.
- Use a warmed knife (dip in hot water) for clean slices.
Flavor Variations
- Berry Explosion: Mix strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries into the preserves.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling and drizzle chocolate over the top.
- Lemon Strawberry: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the filling for brightness.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Swap graham crackers for crushed shortbread cookies.
- Cinnamon Bun: Add extra cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg to the crumble for a cozy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with fresh strawberries on top.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy finish.
- Pair with iced tea, coffee, or sparkling water.
- Use it as a centerpiece dessert for parties or summer gatherings.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store cheesecake tightly covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating:
Cheesecake is best served cold — no reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate values)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbs | 58g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 310mg |
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FAQ About Strawberry Crumble Cheesecake
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks often happen when the cheesecake is exposed to rapid temperature changes or overbaked. Using a water bath, mixing on low speed, and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven help prevent cracking. Even if cracks form, the crumble topping and glaze do a great job of covering them up.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Yes! Fresh strawberries can be diced finely and folded into the filling. The cheesecake may be slightly less sweet, so consider adding 1–2 tablespoons of sugar to the berries or combining them with a bit of preserves for balance.
How do I know the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. It will firm up as it cools and chills. Avoid baking until fully solid — that leads to dryness.
Can this cheesecake be made ahead?
Absolutely. Cheesecakes are perfect make-ahead desserts because they need time to chill and set. You can prepare it 24–48 hours in advance and add the glaze right before serving.
Can I make this without a water bath?
You can, but you risk cracks and uneven baking. If you must skip the water bath, place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to add moisture — it’s not as effective, but better than baking dry.
Final Thoughts
This delightful strawberry crumble cheesecake brings together everything you love in a dessert: creamy filling, bright strawberry swirls, buttery crust, and a crunchy cinnamon crumble. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a memorable slice of sweetness every single time.For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Mexican Chili Recipe for Food Lovers or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!