Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
For the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:
- 12 fresh strawberries, washed and dried
- 6 ounces dark or milk chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for a smoother dip)
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even layer.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Mix in eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Sour Cream: Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir Until Smooth: Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Pour Over Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
Make the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Dip the Strawberries: Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Let Them Set: Place dipped strawberries on parchment paper and allow them to set before placing them on the cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 450 calories
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g