Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake

This no-bake dessert is a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake, fruity strawberry flavor, and a crunchy topping inspired by your favorite strawberry shortcake treats. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet indulgence!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
• 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 10 strawberry-flavored sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos or similar)
• 5 vanilla sandwich cookies
• 3 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
• Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy texture.
• Divide the mixture in half. In one half, fold in the strawberry preserves to make a strawberry layer.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake:

• Spread the plain cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the surface.
• Layer the strawberry-flavored cheesecake mixture on top, spreading evenly.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• In a food processor, pulse the strawberry sandwich cookies, vanilla sandwich cookies, and freeze-dried strawberries into fine crumbs.
• Mix in melted butter until the crumbs are slightly moist and hold together lightly.
• Sprinkle the crunch mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the cheesecake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve.

Tips:

• Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra flair.
• For a firmer texture, you can add 2 tsp of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water to the cheesecake filling.

Enjoy this luscious, berrylicious dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious!