Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice

Alright, this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice? It’s creamy, dreamy, and layered with everything you love—rich vanilla cheesecake, sweet strawberry topping, and that iconic golden strawberry crunch. It’s like your favorite ice cream bar turned into a decadent dessert you can slice and serve.

I made it for a birthday treat, and no joke—it disappeared fast. That smooth cheesecake paired with the fruity strawberry layer and buttery cookie crumble? Total texture and flavor heaven.

And the best part? It’s easier than it looks. Just prep the crust, bake the cheesecake, add the toppings, and chill. Let’s make a slice (or three!) together—you’re gonna fall in love at first bite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Texture: The base is firm but buttery, the filling is creamy and fluffy, and the topping is crisp and sweet. These three textures balance beautifully in each bite.
• Made with Real Strawberries: Instead of using artificial flavor, this recipe uses real strawberry purée for a fresher, cleaner fruit flavor.
• Visually Stunning: With a soft pink center and a strawberry-speckled crumb topping, this slice is as pretty as it is tasty—ideal for serving at events or celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert needs to chill for at least 6 hours, so it’s great for preparing the day before your gathering.
• No Baking Required for Filling: Only the crust is baked briefly to lock in structure; the rest is set in the fridge, so there’s no need for complicated water baths or ovens.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: Around 25 minutes of active time
Bake Time (Crust Only): 10 minutes
Chill Time (for setting): At least 6 hours (overnight preferred)
Total Time: About 7 hours including chilling

Servings: Yields 12 thick, bakery-style slices. You can cut them smaller for more servings if desired.

Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate – Each step is straightforward, but attention to detail will ensure a smooth texture and neat layers.

Plan Ahead Tip: The cheesecake layer needs time to set properly. You’ll need a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge, but for best results, let it chill overnight.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make sure everything goes smoothly, gather these tools before you begin:

• Food Processor or Blender: For grinding cookies and puréeing strawberries
• 9-inch Baking Pan: A springform or deep square pan with 3-inch high sides works best
• Parchment Paper: Optional, but helpful for lifting slices cleanly
• Mixing Bowls: One large and one medium
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For whipping the cream and combining the filling
• Rubber Spatula: To scrape down bowls and spread layers evenly
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring ensures the right texture
• Offset Spatula: Helps achieve a smooth finish on the cheesecake layer

Ingredients

Let’s break down each component of the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice so you understand what each ingredient contributes to the dessert.

For the Crust:

• 24 Golden Oreo Cookies (filling removed): These cookies form the base. Removing the cream keeps the crust from becoming too greasy.
• 4 tablespoons Salted Butter, Melted: Acts as a binder for the cookie crumbs, while the salt balances the sweetness of the filling above.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz Cream Cheese (3 bricks), Softened: The main component of the filling. Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for structure and creaminess.
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without making it grainy. Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the cream cheese.
• 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
• 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, Puréed: Brings the natural strawberry flavor and beautiful pink color. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a soft, aromatic warmth.
• 1½ cups Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped separately and folded in, this lightens the mixture, giving it a mousse-like texture.

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

• 10 Golden Oreo Cookies (with filling): Crushed to create the base of the crumble.
• ½ cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These give a concentrated strawberry flavor and vibrant red color without extra moisture.
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter: Helps bind the topping together and provides a pleasant crunch once chilled.

Variations for Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice

• Use Freeze-Dried Raspberries or Mixed Berries: For a twist on the topping, swap freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries or a berry mix for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the finished cheesecake before serving for extra richness.
• Graham Cracker Crust: If you don’t have Golden Oreos, use graham crackers with a tablespoon of sugar and the same amount of butter.
• Strawberry Jam Swirl: Add small spoonfuls of strawberry jam on top of the cheesecake filling and gently swirl with a skewer before chilling.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin lined with paper cups to create individual servings instead of one large sliceable cheesecake.

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Crush the Cookies:
Place the Golden Oreo cookies (without filling) in a food processor. Pulse until they form fine crumbs.

Add Melted Butter:
Pour the melted butter into the food processor and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press Into Pan:
Line your 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting later. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan using the bottom of a flat measuring cup or a spoon.

Bake and Cool:
Bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Purée the Strawberries:
Wash, hull, and purée fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Measure out 1 cup.

Beat the Cream Cheese and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until very smooth and lump-free.

Add Lemon Juice, Vanilla, and Strawberry Purée:
Blend in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated.

Whip the Cream Separately:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This may take 3–5 minutes.

Fold Gently:
Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture. Work slowly to maintain the airy texture.

3. Assemble and Chill

Spread the Filling Over Crust:
Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing the top.

Make the Crunch Topping:
In a clean food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos (with filling) and freeze-dried strawberries until crumbly. Add melted butter and pulse once more until evenly coated.

Top the Cheesecake:
Sprinkle the strawberry crunch topping evenly over the cheesecake layer. Press it down very gently with your hands to help it stick.

Chill to Set:
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully firm. This is key for clean slicing.

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice

• Use a Warm Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between slices for neat edges.
• Serve Cold: This cheesecake is best served directly from the refrigerator.
• Optional Garnish: Top each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream or a sliced fresh strawberry if desired.

Storing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture.
• Freezer Option: You can freeze the cheesecake (without the topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it in plastic and then foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the topping just before serving.
• Make Ahead Tip: This is a great make-ahead dessert. The texture improves after chilling overnight, so it’s ideal to prepare it the day before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t blend well and can leave lumps in your filling.
• Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Whip just until stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can cause the mixture to break and turn grainy.
• Smooth the Top Gently: Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to get a clean surface before topping with the crunch layer.
• Let It Set Fully: Be patient with chilling. Cutting too early may cause the filling to lose shape.
• Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries Only: Regular dried strawberries or fresh ones in the topping will add moisture and make the crumble soggy.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount (per slice)
Calories	410
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	18g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbohydrates	34g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	22g
Protein	5g
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	4% DV

Note: Values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before puréeing. Too much moisture can affect the texture of the cheesecake.

Do I have to bake the crust?
Baking helps the crust hold together better and adds a slightly toasted flavor. If you want a completely no-bake version, press the crust firmly and chill it for at least 30 minutes before adding the filling, though the texture may be softer.

What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
You can use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies. Just be sure to adjust the amount of butter slightly depending on the dryness of the cookies.

Can I make this in a round springform pan?
Yes. A 9-inch springform pan works very well for this recipe and makes it easier to release the cheesecake cleanly.

How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Add the topping just before chilling. Press it gently into the cheesecake so it adheres. Avoid covering with plastic wrap directly on top, as that can soften the crunch layer.

Conclusion

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Slice is a dessert that blends creamy richness with fruity freshness and a crumbly topping that adds texture and flavor. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for any special occasion. With layers that come together without much fuss, this no-bake cheesecake is a reliable favorite when you want a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks.

Made with real strawberries and topped with a strawberry crunch crumble, each bite brings a balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a bit of crunch. Whether you’re serving this at a birthday party, holiday dinner, or weekend get-together, it’s a dessert that invites compliments and requests for the recipe.