Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

If you share the same passion for strawberries and cheesecakes as I do, then this post is specially dedicated to you. After countless emails, DMs, and comments pouring in, asking for the alluring recipe of the ‘Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake,‘ I have decided to demystify this dessert delight.

If you’ve spent hours sitting across the table at the Cheesecake Factory, savoring bite by bite of their fresh strawberry cheesecake, you know what I’m talking about. The light and creamy cheesecake, laden with juicy, succulent strawberries and a mouth-watering biscuit base, is a journey of flavors that truly tickles the taste buds. Recreating this piece of heaven in our home kitchens required some effort, trials and many strawberries. But fear not, we’ve finally mastered the art!

How to make Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory’s Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake is a popular dessert item offered on their menu. It typically consists of a creamy cheesecake filling on a graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberries and often a strawberry glaze or sauce. It’s a delicious and indulgent treat for cheesecake lovers, featuring the combination of rich, creamy cheesecake with the tartness and sweetness of fresh strawberries.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 3/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 4 (8 oz each) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs

For the strawberry topping:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

For the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 or 10-inch springform pan, forming a firm and even layer.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.

For the cheesecake filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
3. Blend in sour cream and vanilla extract.
4. On a low speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate.
5. Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Baking the cheesecake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until the center is almost set but still a little wobbly.
2. Open the oven door slightly and let the cheesecake cool for an hour.
3. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edge to loosen it from the sides; this helps prevent cracks.
4. Let it further cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

For the strawberry topping:

1. Combine 1/2 of the strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer until the strawberries are very soft and have released their juice.
3. Mix cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry and add to the saucepan.
4. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly; remove from the heat.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and squeeze lemon juice if desired.
6. Allow the topping to cool, then stir in the remaining fresh strawberry halves.

Assembling the cheesecake:

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake.
2. Arrange the fresh strawberries on top for a decorative touch.
3. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Tips for Making Perfect Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake

• Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
• Be careful not to overmix the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking.
• A water bath can help prevent cracks and create a more even cooking environment. If you choose to use one, wrap the exterior of your springform pan in foil and place it in a larger pan filled with an inch or two of water during the baking process.
• Patience is key when making cheesecake. Allow it to cool slowly and chill completely to ensure the perfect texture.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniments can elevate the taste experience of any main dish, including desserts. The Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake, thanks to its creamy essence and fruity punch, can be enjoyed on its own, but why not take it up a notch and explore some tasty companions?

1. Coffee or Tea: Nothing compliments the sweet richness of cheesecake better than a soothing hot cup of coffee or tea. An espresso or a cappuccino can perfectly balance the sweetness of the cheesecake. For tea lovers, a cup of lightly brewed black or green tea complements the dessert without overshadowing its taste.

2. Ice Cream: While the cheesecake itself is creamy and rich, a scoop of ice cream can add an interesting contrast. A tart lemon sorbet or a delightful scoop of vanilla bean complements the flavors of the cheesecake.

3. Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a fan of sweet-on-sweet, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can add another layer of indulgence to your cheesecake. Besides, who can resist the classic combination of strawberries and chocolate?

4. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad can be another contrasting but enjoyable addition to your dessert. The fresh, juicy fruits can be a refreshing companion to the rich and dense cheesecake. Opt for fruits like oranges, grapes, kiwi, and melon for a vibrant mix.

5. Whipped Cream: For an added dollop of creaminess, serve the cheesecake with lightly sweetened whipped cream. It creates a satisfying textural contrast and a dreamlike mouth-feel with every bite.

6. Port Wine: If you’re serving your cheesecake at a dinner party or special event, pour a glass of Port wine to serve alongside. The balanced sweetness and acidity in the wine create an enchanting pairing to the cheesecake.

Ingredients substitute

Here are some common substitutions for the ingredients used in the recipe for those with dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply if you’re out of an ingredient.

For the crust:

1. Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with any kind of crisp cookie or biscuit. Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, and Biscoff cookies make excellent crusts. You can use gluten-free cookies or crushed nuts such as almonds for a gluten-free option.

2. Unsalted Butter: You can substitute the same amount of margarine or coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option.

For the cheesecake filling:

1. Cream Cheese: A popular dairy-free alternative is cashew cream cheese. If you want to cut the fat content, use a lower-fat cream cheese or substitute some cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

2. Sugar: You can replace granulated sugar with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Keep the flavor profile of these substitutes in mind, as they might affect the taste of the cheesecake.

3. Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be substituted equally for sour cream. For a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream.

4. Eggs: For an egg-free or vegan cheesecake, you can use a store-bought egg replacer or homemade flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons of water).

For the strawberry topping:

1. Strawberries: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries. Alternatively, you can substitute them with another type of berry—raspberries, blackberries or blueberries would all be delicious.

2. Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of arrowroot starch or double the amount of all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

This classic dessert is all about balance and contrast: the crumbly texture of the crust pairs exquisitely with the velvety softness of the cream filling, while the natural acidity of the strawberries cuts through the richness, leaving your palate refreshed. The inherent beauty of the Cheesecake Factory Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake lies in its stunning layers and vibrant flavors and its universal appeal. 

More Recipes from the Chef:

• Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Berries and Cream Recipe
• Fleming’s Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Bourbon Mash Recipe
• Applebee’s French Onion Soup