Cheesecake Factory's Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake (Copycat Recipe)

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy flavors of this Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake, inspired by The Cheesecake Factory. With a rich, velvety cheesecake base topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze and fresh berries, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between traditional cheesecake and a refreshing fruit topping, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup strawberry glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the sour cream until smooth.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly.
6. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
7. Before serving, top the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and drizzle strawberry glaze over the top.