Description
A decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and the indulgence of dark chocolate. These individual cheesecakes are a perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cup ground graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 18 strawberries, rinsed and pat dry
- 8 oz 56% dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the ground graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or individual mini cheesecake pans), creating a firm, even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt. Beat again until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be golden brown. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour.
- Chill: After the cheesecake has cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to fully set.
- Prepare the chocolate dip: Once the cheesecake has set, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Dip the strawberries: Rinse and pat dry the strawberries, ensuring they are completely dry. Dip each strawberry into the melted dark chocolate, covering about two-thirds of the berry, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the dipped strawberries until the chocolate has hardened.
- Serve: Once the strawberries are set, place them on top of the chilled cheesecake, arranging them decoratively. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can use a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- The cheesecake can be made in a springform pan or in individual muffin cups for smaller servings.
- If making individual cheesecakes, adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for mini versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake, Cheesecake, chocolate dipped strawberries, dessert, strawberries, chocolate