My daughter hosted a baby shower on Friday (yikes, my daughter’s friends are having babies…how did I get so old????), and the mom to be requested a cheesecake. Of course, I jumped at the chance to make one. I sampled this gorgeous dessert years back when I was chairing the faculty Christmas luncheon at my son’s high school. It was a show stopper…and delicious, too. I knew the group would love it…and they did!!! Many had seconds, claiming it was the best cheesecake they’d ever had…and there was just one slice left on the plate.
I was delighted to be interviewed by one of my sweet blogger friends, Nancy, of Spicie Foodie. I hope you’ll pop over and check it out; and while you’re there, browse her beautiful site…she’s constantly inspiring me with her artistic photography and wonderful dishes.
Ingredients
- Adapted from Bon Appetit
- Crust:
- 20 whole graham crackers (10 ounces), broken into pieces
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold butter, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Filling:
- 4 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 5 eggs, at room temperature
- Topping:
- 2 cups sour cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Fresh strawberries, hulled (I used 32 ounces)
- Jar of red currant jelly (or raspberry jelly)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Add graham crackers, butter and brown sugar to food processor and pulse till crumbs start to stick together. Press crumbs on bottom and most of the way up the sides of a 10 inch springform pan with 3 inch sides. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on rack. Keep oven on while preparing filling.
- With paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and salt together till very smooth, scraping down edges of bowl as needed. Add flour and mix till combined. Add eggs, one at a time, just till incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Pour batter into crust and bake about 55 minutes. Center should be just set and top will be puffed and brown in spots. Cool on rack for 10 minutes while preparing topping. Keep oven on.
- Mix sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spread over top of cake, stopping just short of the edge. Bake for 5 minutes. Run knife around perimeter of cheesecake. Allow to cool on rack, then cover and chill overnight.
- Before serving, release sides of springform pan. Arrange whole berries, pointed sides up, over top of cheesecake. Gently melt jelly in microwave, then allow to cool to lukewarm. Brush over top of berries to glaze. Berries may be glazed up to 6 hours before serving. May serve with extra glaze if desired.
Linked to Friday Blog Party~
Linked to Strawberry Blog Party~
{ 101 comments… read them below or add one }
What a cheesecake! No wonder you had just a slice left! Yes spring is here and summer on its way…cannot wait for BBQ to start…:-)
Read your interview…what a neat one…gingerbread houses? I am fascinated by them… don’t think I can ever prepare one…
Beautiful cheese cake…seems she says “Welcome Spring”.
Have a nice week
wow, it looks absolutely perfect!
Life and travelling
Cooking
Ohhhh … I’d have a baby just so you can make this for me … wait, what am I saying?! Look what a beautiful cheesecake can do to an innocent mind? Tsk. I’m gonna bookmark this and will attempt it myself first and if I don’t succeed, you’d better be ready with bags of diapers. (I believe I’m going senile … don’t mind me).
You know I can never say no to Cheesecake! Love that you topped it with luscious strawberries. Looks great Liz.
Gorgeous cheesecake! I’m in a rush right now but will read your interview later. I hope to get to know you better.
This does look soooo gorgeous! Hopping over to Nancy’s to read your interview
Wow wow wow wow! Strawberry meets cheesecake heaven. What a gorgeous looking cake.
Bloggers definitely have the giving of food thing in common! We are always looking for an excuse to make something special and never turn down any requests.
This cheesecake does look picture perfect. Would have loved to been one of the recipients.
Popping over to see the interview!
That does herald things to come, once your kids are throwing baby showers, huh.
You know I had cheesecake as my wedding cake, no? I love the stuff. Mine was white chocolate and so anything simple and plain is best in my book, unless covered in strawberries. Pop-N-Fresh Pies used to have a strawberry cheesecake pie and it was the one I always ordered. Yes, I’m rambling…haven’t had coffee yet (which would go well with cheesecake!).
That looks so decadent!!! I love cheesecake and this recipe certainly looks like a winner. I know what you mean about your kids friends having babies….I’m at that stage too and can’t believe how this has happened, though, it’s kind of neat!
What a gorgeus cheesecake,i love strawberry on anything especially on the cakes,,YummY
Ridwan
OMG !!!!! I want this , gotta go buy ingredients , it’s tooooo….delish looking Lizzy
. Will let you know how it goes 
.
WOW!!! Lizzy you made my day this morning. I love, love Cheesecake and this looks absolutely perfect….and anything with strawberries. Will copy this recipe and make for sure.
That cheesecake sure looks fabulous !!! I love the plump and gorgeous strawberries topping ! A sure winner ! ;D
STUNNING! And congrats on the interview! Heading there now!
What a gorgeous cheesecake! Very beautifully presented & tempting! I was just thinking of making a cheesecake this morning. This will be my second cheesecake if I really am making it! Hopefully it will turned out as lovely as yours! Going over to Spicie Foodie now. Have a lovely week , Lizzy!
This looks really delicious! I love all these strawberries!!
When I was in high school all the kids used to hang out at this local diner which had THE best cheesecake I have ever eaten. Their strawberry one looked just like this, and I got a piece every single time I went there! Now when I go visit my mom, it’s a must visit place and I refuse to share with anyone!
I love your strawberry topped cheesecake. The strawberries looks soo tasty with the glaze. Great job:)
Cheesecake is one of my fav among the many desserts and that bottom layer you made is so inviting. Thanks also for the idea of adding brown sugar to it bc I normally don’t add any sugar for this layer.
That strawberries are sitting perfectly on top.
What a beautiful creation! I am sure the mom to be was happy!
One word dear: BEAUTIFUL!! absolutely beautiful, have a lovely day:)
oh wow, how beautiful! I’m sure everyone loved it!!
I was looking for a cheesecake recipe that would be successful (and accessible) this weekend and just wasn’t satisfied with those I found (one had cottage cheese) so scrapped that. If I had seen this “lovely” it would have been made. Saving this for my next cheesecake craving.
This cheesecake looks gorgeous! I love those strawberries on top so classic!
how pretty, I bet it tastes great too! Do you have any left, maybe? =D
Interview? I better check out nancies blog then.
thanks for sharing =)
Lizzy, You do not look old at all.
I love these opportunities to cook and bake ( not gluten free) for someone.
The cheese cake with glazed strawberries look beautiful.
Cheesecake, cheesecake, never can have enough. This strawberry topped cheesecake looks divine, and I’m sure it tastes delicious too!
Yum! I absolutely love baked cheesecakes and yours looks fantastic! Those strawberries look better than any I’ve ever seen!
Lizzy,
Such a beautiful cheesecake, and strawberries are my favorite, perfect!
I read your wonderful interview, and baking something for someone or an occasion is instant gratification:)
You continue to inspire me. Thank you!
I could do with a large slice, or two, of this wonderful sounding creation. Been an extremely long while since I had cheesecake.
I never pass up the opportunity to make a cheesecake either. They are my husband’s favorite too and this looks heavenly! Well-done Liz!
My mouth literally won’t stop watering. I believe that just by the looks of it this is one spectacular cheesecake. Those perfect strawberries on top make it look even more heavenly.
Thanks Liz for the sweet words:) It has been a pleasure.
If I could have a slice of this I know my day would be great. It looks delicious.
Gorgeous Liz!! I’d want to take a picture of this before I dug in because it’s seriously a work of art! This looks absolutely incredible!
By the way you’ve been given an award.
You can check it out on my blog…
http://nycityeats.com/wordpress/4401/love-appreciation/
Cheesecake is so amazing in the first place, love an guaranteed great recipe. And just gorgeous with the strawberries.
that is a gorgeous cheesecake, and i totally wish i could have a slice right now
u make me hungry,,,,awesome i want a pieces of cake…….adorable ckae…
Lizzy, if I could gobble up the screen I would. Your strawberry cheesecakes looks insanely good. If I was the mother to be, I would have gone into labor because I would have tried to eat the whole thing. That looks like heaven on a plate. PS… I loved reading your interview with Spicie Foodie.
Lovely presentation and cheesecake looks heavenly good!
What a beautiful cheesecake! I can imagine everyone having seconds for sure as I know I would.
I don’t think this cheesecake could get any better if you tried!!
Beautiful looking cheesecake Liz. Perfection attained!
it is perfection! Cheesecake is one of my favorite indulgences! I love the strawberries all piled ontop! Awesome
Fabulous, Lizzy! You know I can’t resist strawberries! I love desserts that look as good as they taste – a clear winner all the way around!
i’ve never seen a cheesecake so covered in strawberries. what a visual treat before the real treat:)
Oh my, what a glorious cheesecake! Doesn’t time fly? One of my co-workers (younger than me) today announced she was pregnant!
Looks like a perfect treat for a baby shower
I can’t wait for strawberries this spring! This dish is just beautiful and I am sure it was gobbled up at the shower.
Strwaberries are so great with cheesecakes… Your looks not only delicious, but perfectly shaped and presented. I miss strawberries too much!
This really looks fantastic! I love the bright pop of color, definitely makes me ready for summer.
Small world Lizzy – I posted a Bon Appetit cheesecake today too. Wanna trade a piece?
ButterYum
Looks like a perfect cheesecake. The strawberries are gorgeous!
What a beautiful cheese cake. I’m sure the mom-to-be loved it.
That cheesecake is picture perfect! So sweet that you made it for your daughter’s friend’s baby shower
I bet she loved it!
I haven’t tried my hand at authentic cheesecake, but yours looks so good that I may have to try soon!
My goodness you don’t look like you could have a daughter that has a friend that could be having a baby! WOW. Girl you are a baby yourself! Serious good genes! The cheese cake is amazing, how do you ever look so great and eat all of these gorgeous treats! WOW!~
My friends are all having babies. How did I get this old? This looks like a marvelous cheesecake. Love the strawberries!
Lovely! I love New York-style cheesecakes, they are the best! And yours is exceptionally beautiful!
The interview was great, Liz. And this recipe…well, you’ve hit on my favorite dessert on earth. Strawberry topped cheesecake is a NY steakhouse classic and I’ve loved it my whole life. I try to resist cheesecake throughout the year but a steak dinner and cheesecake dessert is what I always want on my birthday! Yummmm
Cheese cake with strawberry looks delicious. Nice interview too.
Oh Liz, what a glorious cheesecake. I love how you put the strawberries on top like a little forest of goodness.
Beautiful strawberry cheesecake. I would love some. Very nice interview, I read it earlier, congrats.
Holy moly! That’s gorgeous!
so beautiful!
so elegant! looks beautiful
This cheesecake looks wonderful! I can’t wait until strawberries are in season!!!!
I love the idea of glazing the strawberries with melted jam, brilliant and something I am def going to have to try!!!
Oh, Lizzy! That cake is so luscious! Spring is on the way, isn’t it??!!!
This cheesecake looks divine. I would have a second piece too!
I think I’ve found the cheesecake of my dreams!!! Spring is here;-)
What a beautiful cheesecake! This makes such a stunning presentation.
That looks so good. Of all the things I’ve wanted to bake, this would be one of them.
Maybe after finals…
Oh my, I quit asking how I got this old a long time ago! I’m not too old however to recognize a great look, no, make that a fabulous looking cheesecake!
I can’t tell that you are going to be grandmother looking at your picture. You did very well maintaining yourself…
This cake is beautiful. Your daughter and her arriving baby is so lucky to have you! Congratulation!
looks wonderful
Gorgeous, what beautiful strawberries!
Hi Lizzy! I truly enjoyed reading your interview and gave me a hope that I can be a good baker one day since my mom is not a baker too. =) Maybe I am hoping too much (to be like you). LOL. Your strawberry cheesecake is gorgeous! Your daughter must be very proud of having a great baker mom!
Thanks for the ultimate cheesecake recipe
holy yum! these look fantastic, i LOVE the way u have decorated them with whole strawberries
You are simply killing me! What a divine cheesecake *lipsmackingly good*
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
baby shower! What a joy! You really made a great cake..
Lizzy this is a stunner. I bet there wasn´t a crumb left at the baby shower.
You’ve definitely got me craving a cheesecake. Yum!
A perfect dessert for a baby shower–it is gorgeous with all those strawberries on top.
Loved your interview over at Spicie Foodie, Liz, and as for this incredible cheesecake, it certainly is a show stopper! Crikey – the babies are starting… you’re too young!
That’s a knock out dessert! Love the presentation.
Gorgeous!! I love the whole strawberries on top, it makes a beautiful and simple decoration. A perfect baby shower treat for sure!
Totally sheer elegance!!!
Your cheesecake, topped with the most perfect and gorgeous strawberries, and the perfect glaze is mesmerizing, and you are such a great and accomodating lovely person and an incredible baker, that any lucky person that gets your treats is so BLESSED!
A God-given natural baking talent you have there, my dear friend Lizzy!
xoxo
Lizzie
That is a work of art! Gorgeous…. you are so good at making things look pretty, Lizzy! Thanks for sharing
And heading over to the Spicie Foodie soon 
Cheesecake is a favorite of mine and this one looks fabulous! Such a pretty presentation! Perfect for a baby shower!
What a beautiful cheesecake! Show stopper indeed! I love the strawberries on top. This one is a keeper for sure!
I just love cheesecake and those strawberries on top are just perfection!!
I am eating some strawberries as I see this post! I love cheese cake and I love strawberries . I am drooling here.. seriously!!
This looks simply divine! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday! I hope you’ll stop back soon
Hi Lizzy, Everyone loves cheesecake, and yours is similar to the N.Y. cheesecake I make, so I know it’s wonderful! This is one of my son’s favorite desserts; but since I made one for his last birthday, I think I’m gonna try something different this year for him…you know March is the month of BD’s in my family!
I know what you mean about it being weird that your daughter is hosting baby showers! When I see girls that grew up w/my daughter with their own children and acting as responsible adults, it’s so mind boggling!
Lizzy, sorry for not dropping by sooner but honestly I have had my eye pinned on this cheesecake for days =) It’s simply gorgeous and I love the glaze over the berries – it adds so much to an already beautiful dessert. I am featuring this post in today’s Friday Food Fetish roundup (with a link-back and attribution), but please let me know if you have any objections. It’s a pleasure following your creations…
That is definitely a show stopper! Gorgeous Cheesecake.
That is one seriously gorgeous cheesecake!
That cheesecake is one of the most gorgeous I have seen!!!! I am loving the glaze over the fresh berries!!! Thank you for sharing on Trick or Treat Tuesday!!!
what a lovely cheesecake! I love the glazed strawberries they looked so luscious!