Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits)
⅓ cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
16 oz (2 packages) of softened cream cheese
¾ cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 cup of melted white chocolate chips, cooled slightly
¾ cup of sour cream
3 large eggs
½ cup of finely diced fresh strawberries (optional for the filling)
For the strawberry topping:
1 ½ cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
⅓ cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
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Instructions:
Prepare the crust:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed.
3. Firmly press the mixture into the base of a 9-inch springform pan, using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.
Prepare the filling:
1. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate the vanilla extract, melted white chocolate, and sour cream, mixing until fully combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing.
5. (Optional) Gently fold in the finely diced strawberries for added flavor in the cheesecake.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface.
Bake the cheesecake:
1. Position the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center remains slightly wobbly.
2. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to minimize cracking.
3. Remove from the oven, allow to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
Prepare the strawberry topping:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
