In the heart of dessert innovation comes a treat that combines the sweet nostalgia of childhood with the elegance of a classic cheesecake. I’m thrilled to share my latest creation, a no-bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake, that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour. This recipe is a tribute to those lazy, hazy days of summer, transformed into a dessert that’s perfect for any season. ??✨
What You’ll Need
To make this delectable dessert, you’ll gather ingredients for three main components: the crust, the filling, and the topping. Each layer contributes its unique texture and flavor, culminating in a symphony of sweetness.
For the Crust:
- 1lb Vanilla Cream Cookies (about 34 cookies, with a few reserved for the topping)
- 6 tablespoons Butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 small box (3.3 oz) Strawberry Jello
- 1 cup Boiling Water
- 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened (that’s 2 bricks of 8 oz each)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 10 Strawberry Wafer Cookies (about 4 oz, for that extra crunch)
For the Topping:
- Whipped Topping, about half a small tub, thawed and placed into a pastry bag with a star tip (Wilton 1M tip recommended for that perfect swirl).
Let’s Make Cheesecake!
The Crust:
- Start with creating a crumbly base by processing 26 vanilla cream cookies into fine crumbs.
- Blend these crumbs well with the melted butter until you’ve got a mixture that holds together when squeezed.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 10″ springform pan and let it set in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
The Filling:
- Begin by dissolving the strawberry jello in boiling water. Let it cool down but don’t refrigerate.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar in another bowl to stiff peaks, then carefully fold it into the cream cheese mixture and the cooled strawberry jello in two separate steps.
- Layer half of the whipped cream mixture over the crust, followed by half of the strawberry jello mixture. Freeze for 15 minutes, then add the remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining strawberry mixture.
The Topping:
- Crush the remaining vanilla cream cookies and strawberry wafers. You can add a bit of food coloring if you wish for a pinker hue.
- Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish with swirls of whipped topping to add that final touch of elegance.
Time to Enjoy
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 12
This Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a no-bake marvel that offers a refreshing break from traditional baked cheesecakes. The creamy filling, combined with the crunchy crust and topping, makes for a dessert that’s as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to present at any gathering. So, whip up this cheesecake, invite your friends or family over, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your table and the highlight of your meal.
Note
The recipe provided is designed for basic purposes, meant to serve a standard portion. However, the accompanying picture features additional layers, intended for a larger gathering, but rest assured, the core recipe shared is suitable for everyday use.
In step #3, am I supposed to fold half of the heavy cream/powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture and half into the jello mixture?
Yes, you got it! Fold half of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture and the other half into the strawberry jello mixture. Happy baking! ??
I’d like to print this up but I don’t see the “Print” tab.
I see there is strawberries in and on it. But doesn’t mention in recipe?
Planning on making for Easter
I see what looks like fresh strawberries through the filling. Can they be folded into the strawberry mixture and still looks nice?
I see cut fresh strawberries is that optional or use for garnish. Where is that step.
Thank you for your question! While fresh strawberries can definitely be used as a garnish for added freshness and visual appeal, they’re not included in the recipe steps. Feel free to slice some fresh strawberries and decorate your cheesecake with them before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor! Any more queries?
You say in the recipe to layer half the whipped cream mixture over the crust then half the strawberry mixture but by the looks of the picture you handed the strawberry mixture first.
Oh, you’ve got a sharp eye! The layers might have taken a little dance of their own in the picture! But no worries, whether you start with the whipped cream or the strawberry mixture, the taste will still be a delicious symphony!
Yes it looks like diced strawberries are added to the jello mixture and placed first over the crust then the whipped cream cheese mixture followed by the strawberry jello again. Since this is an elegant presentation which is why I’ve selected it to make it for a special party it would have been nice to have the directions state exactly how it was made. The final whipped topping you describe seems to be some sort of cool whip. I bought a quart of heavy whipping cream and plan on making mine from scratch and also bought fresh strawberries. I’ll be doing this tomorrow morning to be serve at a party in the afternoon. I certainly hope it comes out as directed. The photo doesn’t match the Instructions or the whole shopping list.
The recipe provided is designed for basic purposes, meant to serve a standard portion. However, the accompanying picture features additional layers, intended for a larger gathering, but rest assured, the core recipe shared is suitable for everyday use.
I sure wish you would break down your recipe steps so they are clear. This is very confusing for such a simple cheesecake . Thank goodness for all the questions asked . I think I can do this now.
Not to be dense, but what do we do with the strawberry wafer cookies that appear in the filling step? Mix in or sprinkle between layers? Thank you!
You’re not being dense at all! The strawberry wafer cookies mentioned in the filling step are actually used as part of the filling. Here’s how you incorporate them:
After you’ve whipped the heavy cream with powdered sugar and carefully folded it into the cream cheese mixture and the cooled strawberry jello, you’ll then incorporate the strawberry wafer cookies.
You’ll crumble or crush the strawberry wafer cookies and gently fold them into the mixture along with the whipped cream and strawberry jello. This will add texture and flavor to the filling.
Once you’ve layered half of the whipped cream mixture over the crust, followed by half of the strawberry jello mixture, you’ll freeze the cheesecake for 15 minutes before adding the remaining cream cheese mixture and topping with the remaining strawberry mixture.
I hope this clarifies things! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Thank you so much!
Made this last night to serve today for our Easter get together & it was prefect, I did slice fresh strawberries and mix in with both layers and added some to the top! Everyone loved it! It was beautiful & delicious ❤️. I’ll definitely make this again. Big Hit!
That sounds absolutely delicious! Adding fresh strawberries to both layers and on top must have brought a delightful burst of flavor and freshness to the cake. It’s wonderful to hear that everyone loved it and that it was a big hit at your Easter gathering. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be making it again. Happy baking! ?❤️