Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe with Cream Cheese and Fresh Strawberries

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake is a decadent and creamy dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, vanilla, and sour cream with the sweetness of strawberries to create a truly indulgent treat.

History

The origins of this recipe are unclear, but cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries in various forms around the world. The addition of strawberries to the classic cheesecake recipe adds a fresh and fruity twist that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

24 oz (680 g) cream cheese
1 cup strawberry pourable fruit (0.75 cup strawberry fruit spread combined with 0.25 cup warm water may be substituted for the pourable fruit)
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp salt
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream (Do not use reduced-calorie sour cream)
strawberries, sliced

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy.
Blend in the pourable fruit, vanilla, and salt.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9" spring-form pan.
Bake for 50 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and vanilla, and mix well.
Carefully spoon the sour cream mixture over the warm cheesecake.
Bake for another 10 minutes, or until just set.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside, with the door closed, for 30 minutes.
Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and loosen it from the rim of the pan.
Allow the cheesecake to cool overnight.
Just before serving, garnish with sliced strawberries.

Variations

Try using different fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake before baking for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and heavy cheesecake.

- When baking the cheesecake, it's important to follow the instructions closely to prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a water bath when baking the cheesecake to prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door closed to prevent sinking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream in place of the full-fat versions for a lighter cheesecake.

- If you don't have pourable fruit, you can use fruit preserves or jam instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheesecake with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese and sour cream) and eggs.

Summary

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fat and calories, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and fresh strawberry topping, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at my friend Margaret's house. Margaret was known for her superior baking skills, so I knew I had to bring my A-game if I wanted to impress her and the other guests.

As I pondered over what to make, I remembered a conversation I had with my dear friend Alice a few weeks prior. Alice had mentioned a delicious strawberry cheesecake she had tried at a local bakery called Steiger's. She raved about how creamy and decadent it was, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the strawberries.

Inspired by Alice's description, I decided to try my hand at recreating Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake for the potluck. I knew it would be a challenging task, as I had never attempted to make a cheesecake from scratch before. But I was determined to push myself out of my comfort zone and learn something new.

I reached out to Alice for the recipe, but she explained that it was a closely guarded secret of the bakery. Undeterred, I turned to my extensive collection of cookbooks and began scouring through them in search of a similar recipe. After hours of flipping through pages and comparing ingredients, I finally stumbled upon a cheesecake recipe that seemed promising.

Armed with my newfound recipe and a sense of determination, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients. The list was long and included cream cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, graham crackers, butter, and of course, fresh strawberries. I made a trip to the local grocery store and carefully selected each item, ensuring that only the best quality ingredients made their way into my cart.

Back in my kitchen, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I crushed the graham crackers into fine crumbs and mixed them with melted butter to create the perfect crust for the cheesecake. As the sweet aroma of baking graham crackers filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Next, I whipped together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it was smooth and creamy. I added in the eggs one at a time, being careful not to overmix the batter. Finally, I folded in the diced strawberries, their vibrant red color adding a pop of freshness to the rich cheesecake mixture.

I poured the batter onto the prepared crust and placed the cheesecake in the oven to bake. As it baked, the sweet scent of strawberries and vanilla wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to see the finished product and share it with my friends at the potluck.

After what felt like an eternity, the cheesecake was finally done baking. I carefully removed it from the oven and allowed it to cool before transferring it to the refrigerator to set. The hours ticked by slowly, each minute feeling like an eternity as I anxiously awaited the moment of truth.

Finally, the time came to unveil my creation at the potluck dinner. As I sliced into the cheesecake and served it to my friends, I held my breath, waiting for their reactions. The first bite was met with silence, followed by a chorus of oohs and aahs as they savored the creamy texture and burst of strawberry flavor.

Margaret, in particular, was impressed. She asked me for the recipe, and I happily shared it with her, knowing that I had successfully recreated Steiger's Strawberry Cheesecake to perfection. From that moment on, it became a staple at our gatherings, a recipe that I would pass down to future generations as a reminder of the day I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and discovered a newfound love for baking.