What is Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake-No bake?
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake – No Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet and crunchy flavors of strawberries and a crumbly topping. Since it is a no-bake recipe, it does not require any baking, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
Here’s a brief overview of what it involves:
- Crust: Typically made from crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter, forming a firm base that doesn’t need to be baked.
- Cheesecake Filling: A smooth mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and whipped cream or other stabilizers, which sets in the refrigerator to make cheesecake layer.
- Strawberry Layer: A layer of fresh strawberries or a strawberry glaze added on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Crunch Topping: A mixture of crushed cookies or cereal, often combined with freeze-dried strawberries, to add a crunchy texture on top of the strawberry layer.
This dessert is perfect for BBQs, holidays, or any summer gathering because of its refreshing and indulgent flavors, and its preparation is straightforward since it doesn’t involve baking.
Why you will LOVE this recipe?
You will absolutely love the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake recipe because it combines ease of preparation with delightful taste and texture. This no-bake dessert saves you the hassle of using an oven, making it perfect for warm days or when you want to keep things simple. The creamy cheesecake filling, made from smooth cream cheese and whipped cream, provides a rich and indulgent base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh strawberries or strawberry glaze. The crunchy topping, often made from crushed cookies or cereal, adds an irresistible texture that elevates the whole experience, ensuring every bite is both creamy and crunchy. Additionally, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. The ingredients are common and straightforward, usually including pantry staples like graham crackers and fresh strawberries, which means you can whip up this dessert without a long shopping list. Perfect for BBQ, holidays, or any casual get-together, this dessert is sure to impress with its refreshing taste and delightful textures, making it a favorite for all occasions.
Why you need gelatin for this recipe?
Gelatin is essential for a no bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake because it helps set the cheesecake and maintain its structure. Without baking, the cheesecake relies on chilling to firm up, and gelatin provides the necessary stability to hold the filling together. This is especially important when creating a dessert with a smooth, creamy texture that will hold its shape when sliced. Gelatin ensures that the cheesecake has the right consistency, preventing it from becoming too soft or runny. Additionally, gelatin enhances the dessert’s overall mouthfeel, giving it a pleasant, firm yet creamy texture. For those who prefer a vegetarian alternative, agar-agar can be used instead, offering similar gelling properties without compromising the texture or firmness of the cheesecake.
Key ingredients of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake:
This is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries and a crunchy topping. The key ingredients for this cheesecake include:
- Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture and the strawberry layer.
- Strawberries: Fresh or frozen strawberries are used for the strawberry layer and for garnishing.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers form the crust of the cheesecake.
- Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs to create a firm crust.
- Whipped Cream: Adds lightness to the cheesecake filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
- Strawberry Jello or Gelatin: Helps set the strawberry layer and adds flavor.
- Strawberry Crunch Topping: Made from a combination of crushed cookies, such as Golden Oreo, and freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry-flavored cereal, adding a crunchy texture.
These ingredients work together to create a delicious dessert with a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements.
Equipment you may need:
To make a Strawberry Crunch no bake Cheesecake, you will need several pieces of equipment to ensure your cheesecake comes out perfectly. Here is a list of essential tools and equipment:
- Springform Pan: This is crucial for easily removing the cheesecake from the pan lined with parchment paper and without damaging it.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes will be needed for mixing different components of the cheesecake.
- Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will help you achieve a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and mix with an electric mixer.
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading the cheesecake mixture evenly.
- Food Processor: Needed for crushing, also use graham crackers for the crust and blending the strawberry crunch.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for baking, so these are essential.
- Baking Sheet: If you are baking the crust, you will need a baking sheet to place the springform pan on.
- Parchment Paper: To line the bottom of the springform pan, making it easier to remove the cheesecake.
- Knife: For slicing strawberries and other ingredients.
- Refrigerator: Essential for setting the cheesecake.
These tools will help you create a delicious and visually appealing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cake?
Making a Strawberry Crunch Cake involves several steps: preparing the cake layers, creating the strawberry crunch topping, and assembling the cake. Here’s a simple guide to help you make this delicious dessert:
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 box of white or vanilla sandwich cookies mix (plus ingredients needed per package instructions)
- 1 box of homemade strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients needed per package instructions)
Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 package of Golden Oreos (crushed)
- 1 package of freeze-dried strawberry powder (crushed)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
Frosting:
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup of powdered granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the white or vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into one of the prepared pans.
- Prepare the strawberry flavor cake mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the other prepared pan. Keep in mind that it is no-bake easy strawberry shortcake.
- Bake both cakes according to the package instructions. Let them cool completely before removing from the pans.
- Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- Crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or by placing them in a ziploc bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Combine the crushed cookies and strawberries with the melted butter in a bowl and set until evenly mixed. It should be bowl and mix well.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Take a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form and sides of the bowl should be clean.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place the white or vanilla cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream frosting on top.
- Place the strawberry cake layer on top of the frosted layer.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Gently press the easy strawberry crunch onto the sides and top of the cake, ensuring it sticks to the frosting.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- Slice and enjoy your no-bake Strawberry shortcake cheesecake!
Nutrition:
The nutrition content of Strawberry crunch Cheesecake varies depending on the specific recipe and serving size. Here’s an overview based on different sources:
- Ralph’s Strawberry Crunch cheesecake:
- Serving Size: 87g
- Calories: Information not specified, typically around 200-300 calories per slice.
- Junior’s Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake:
- Serving Size: Not specified
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 31g
- Protein: 4g.
- Chunky Cheesecakes Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake:
- Serving Size: 466g
- Calories: 1224
- Carbohydrates: 132g
- Fat: 66.1g
- Protein: Not specified.
- Greek Crunch Strawberry Cheesecake (Light & Fit):
- Serving Size: Not specified
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 16g (net carbs)
- Fat: 2.5g
- Protein: 11g.
These variations show that the nutritional content can differ significantly based on the ingredients and portion sizes used in different recipes. Generally, this is high in calories, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a rich and indulgent dessert.