Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Swirl
- Blend the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smooth texture.
- Spoon small dollops of the strawberry sauce over the cheesecake batter.
- Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the strawberry mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Place the pan in a large roasting dish and fill the dish with hot water (about halfway up the sides of the springform pan) to create a water bath.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, slightly crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Once fully chilled, remove from the springform pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Preventing Cracks: Using a water bath and cooling the cheesecake gradually helps prevent cracking.
- Substitutions: You can swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity swirl.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg