Ingredients
Crust
- 1 2/3 cups gluten free graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese (bricks, not spread; room temperature)
- 1 1/8 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
Strawberry Topping
- 1 1/2 pounds strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly. Wrap the outer edges with several sheets of foil to prevent water from leaking during the water bath.
- Make Crust: Combine gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand, even if slightly crumbly.
- Press Crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the base.
- Set Up Water Bath: Place the springform pan into a larger baking dish or pan, then carefully pour about an inch of hot water around it to create a water bath for gentle, even baking.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese and blend until fully combined.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Mix in sour cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt until just combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl’s sides and bottom as needed to ensure an even blend.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top gently.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. The center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy texture.
- Cool Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on the counter for about an hour.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
- Prepare Strawberry Topping: Place hulled and quartered strawberries, sugar, butter, and lemon juice into a pot over low heat.
- Simmer Topping: Simmer the mixture gently for 5-7 minutes to release strawberry juices and soften the fruit.
- Thicken Topping: Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir into the strawberry mixture. Continue simmering until the topping thickens slightly.
- Cool Topping: Remove the strawberry topping from heat and let it cool completely, ideally refrigerating for 1-2 hours before assembly.
- Serve: Once the cheesecake is set and the strawberry topping is cool, spoon the topping over the cheesecake, slice, and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Wrapping the springform pan with foil prevents water from leaking into the crust during the water bath baking process.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; a slight jiggle in the center means it will set perfectly as it cools.
- The strawberry topping should be completely cooled before spreading onto the cheesecake to avoid making the filling watery.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free