White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake: A Decadent Slice of Heaven
There’s cheesecake… and then there’s White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake—a dessert so smooth, sweet, and gorgeous, it practically melts hearts on sight. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling swirled with melted white chocolate, fresh strawberries nestled inside, and a glossy white chocolate drizzle to finish. This isn’t just dessert—it’s a celebration.
Perfect for spring, summer gatherings, birthdays, or just when you need something indulgent, this recipe is surprisingly simple and sure to wow.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cheesecake is everything I want in a dessert: creamy, a little tangy, sweet but not too sweet, and bursting with real strawberries. The white chocolate adds richness without overpowering the fruit, and the graham cracker crust adds just the right texture contrast.
It’s also a great make-ahead dessert—the chilling time means it’s ready to go when you are, and the presentation? Flawless with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 oz white chocolate, melted
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
For the Topping
- ½ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzle)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Graham Crackers: Swap with crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a twist.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for texture and flavor.
- Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries. Avoid frozen—they’ll release too much water.
- White Chocolate: Use real white chocolate bars (not chips) for the smoothest melt.
How to Make White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
- Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the bottom in foil if using a water bath. - Make the Crust:
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly. - Make the Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and melted white chocolate until well combined. - Fold in Strawberries:
Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries. - Bake:
Pour filling over crust. Bake 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Don’t overbake. - Cool & Chill:
Let cheesecake cool at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Finish with Toppings:
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Pro Tips for Cheesecake Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and room-temp eggs prevent lumps.
- Water Bath (Optional): Bake in a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even baking.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cheesecake sets as it chills—don’t rush this step!
- Use a Hot Knife: For clean slices, dip a knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
A dessert this gorgeous deserves the perfect supporting cast. Try pairing it with:
- A refreshing drink like Blueberry Lemonade.
- A fancy appetizer like Baked Brie for a full party spread.
- A chocolatey treat like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs on the side for the ultimate dessert bar.
- Or, round it out with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for simple, crowd-pleasing nibbles.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make this a day or two in advance—it only gets better.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If cheesecake is your thing, don’t miss these decadent desserts and treats:
- Caramel Apple Pie Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Baked Brie Appetizer
- Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a rich, romantic dessert that’s perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself to something special. It’s the kind of cake that makes a statement without being fussy.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share a pic or tag @chefmaniac on social media. And don’t forget to follow along for more drool-worthy desserts and no-fail comfort food favorites.
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