Classic Cheesecake with Strawberries (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - Cooking spray
02 - 180 g graham crackers, finely crushed
03 - 75 g granulated sugar
04 - 170 g unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

05 - 900 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
06 - 200 g granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 5 ml vanilla extract
09 - 180 ml sour cream
10 - 15 g all-purpose flour
11 - 1.25 ml kosher salt

→ Glazed Strawberries & Assembly

12 - 450 g strawberries, hulled
13 - 5 g cornstarch
14 - 60 ml cold water
15 - 50 g granulated sugar
16 - Juice of half a lemon
17 - Whipped cream, for serving

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 163°C. Grease an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Add flour and salt, and beat just until combined.
03 - Pour the filling over the crust. Cover the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil. Place pan into a large roasting pan and pour boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake until the center is just slightly jiggly or reaches 63°C, about 90 minutes. Turn off oven, prop door open, and cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
04 - Whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch mixture. Heat over medium, bringing to a simmer. Cook until the liquid thickens to a syrupy consistency and coats the strawberries. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until serving.
05 - Top each slice of cheesecake with glazed strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream before serving.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Sour cream is essential for moisture and tang that mimic the original flavor.
02 - Maintaining a moderate sugar level ensures a rich, luscious profile without cloying sweetness.
03 - Glazed strawberries add acidity and vibrant fruit flavor that elevate the dessert.