Description
Creamy strawberry pretzel cheesecake blends sweet and salty in a delightful dessert that dances between classic comfort and gourmet innovation. Layers of crunchy pretzel crust, silky cream cheese filling, and fresh strawberry glaze promise a memorable slice of pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (240 grams) pretzel crumbs
- 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Craft a sturdy foundation by pulverizing pretzels and combining with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan, creating an even base that will support the creamy layers.
- Transform cream cheese into a silky landscape by whipping until ultra-smooth. Gradually incorporate sugar and vanilla, then gently fold in eggs and sour cream, maintaining a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Position the cheesecake in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, watching for a subtle center wobble that signals perfect doneness. Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, reducing potential cracking.
- While the cheesecake cools, prepare a vibrant strawberry compote. Simmer fresh strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat, transforming the mixture into a glossy, thick sauce that will crown the dessert.
- After thorough chilling for 4-6 hours, liberate the cheesecake from its springform prison. Cascade the crimson strawberry topping across the surface moments before presenting this decadent dessert.
Notes
- Crush pretzels finely for a smoother, more uniform crust that holds together perfectly.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
- Add a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance the sweet-salty contrast and balance flavors.
- Wrap the springform pan in foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking, ensuring a crack-free cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg