Ingredients
6 tbsp butter, room temperature
1¼ cup graham crackers, crushed (1 sleeve worth)
¼ cup sugar
2 pkg 8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups sour cream
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 quart strawberries
3 tsp lemon juice
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
red food coloring
1 quart strawberries
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, soft butter, and sugar. Then,
Place the mixture onto a 9-inch springform pan and press the graham crackers down until the pan is fully covered.
Use a hand mixer to thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese and sugar. Blend until creamy. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract. Blend again.
Add eggs and mix again.
Pour filling into a springform pan.
If you would like, make your water bath by covering the bottom of the springform pan with foil and put into a larger pan with hot water underneath.
Bake cheesecake for 55 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick and make sure it comes out clean. If not, place back into the oven, checking every 5 minutes until done.
Add sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract into a bowl and blend until creamy.
When the cheesecake is finished cooking, add the sour cream topping right away, smoothing out the top and place back into the oven for 5 minutes.
Remove cheesecake from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes before placing into the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.
Hull strawberries and decorate the top of the cheesecake. Start on the outside and work your way in.
Place remaining strawberries into a food processor and blend until pureed.
Place the puree into a saucepan on the stovetop, on medium heat, adding lemon juice and sugar.
In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch and add to the pan. Add your red food coloring (to desired amount) .
Whisk sauce mixture until thickened and simmering.
Remove from heat and strain. Let cool.
Once the strawberry glaze has cooled, place into a pastry bag and cut a small amount off the tip to complete the decoration of the cheesecake. Glaze in between each strawberry and around the sides, you may even place the glaze over each individual strawberry.
Place into the fridge until time to serve.
