
Yields:
12 - 14 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
8 hrs
Cal/Serv:
662
Okay even though a lot of us, *ahem* me, mostly go to the Cheesecake Factory for their iconic brown bread, it isn't a true visit if you don't top off your meal with some of their iconic cheesecake. I know they have dozens of flavors (all of them delicious) but there is something to be said for their classic, plain cheesecake topped with glazed strawberries and whipped cream. And I'm not the only one who thinks so, the original with strawberries is far and away Cheesecake Factory's most popular flavor.
To make a cake that lives up to the ones pumped out of the mecca of all things cheesecake, follow these 3 simple tips:
Don't Skip The Sour Cream
Sour cream provides moisture and creaminess to the cheesecake that is absolutely essential to recreating the original. Not to mention the slight tartness, mimics the distinct Cheesecake Factory Flavor.
Not Too Sweet
When I think of Cheesecake Factory's cheesecake, it isn't a cloyingly sweet thing you can only have one bite of. Instead by keeping the sugar to just 1 cup, you'll ensure the cake is kept rich and luscious.
Glazed Strawbs For The Win
Though the true original has a sour cream topping, there is something so delicious (and gorgeous) about topping each slice with a serving of glazed berries. They add some acidity and a punch of fruit flavor that really takes the cake to the next level.
Liked this cheesecake? Try making our try our apple crisp cheesecake or treat yourself to an Oreogasm cheesecake!
If you do try this copycat recipe, please let us know how it came out in the comments below!
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Ingredients
Crust
Cooking spray
- 18
graham crackers (2 sleeves), finely crushed
- 6 Tbsp.
sugar
- 12 Tbsp.
(1 ½ sticks) butter,melted
Filling
- 4
(8 oz.) blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup
sugar
- 4
large eggs
- 1 tsp.
vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup
sour cream
- 2 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
Glazed Strawberries & Assembly:
- 1 lb.
strawberries, hulled
- 1 tsp.
cornstarch
- 1/4 cup
cold water
- 1/4 cup
sugar
Juice of half a lemon
Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Crust
- Step 1Preheat oven to 325°, and grease an 8" or 9" springform pan with cooking spray.
- Step 2In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Set aside.
Filling
- Step 1In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Add flour and salt and beat until just combined.
- Step 2Pour the filling over the crust. Cover the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil, then place in a large roasting pan. Pour in enough boiling water to come up halfway in the baking pan. Carefully transfer the pan to the oven.
- Step 3Bake cake until just slightly jiggly, or center registers 145°F on a digital thermometer inserted to a depth of 2-inches, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Turn the oven off, prop oven door open, and let cool for 1 hour. Finally, transfer to the fridge and chill until the cake is completely cool, 5 hours and up to overnight.
Glazed Strawberries & Assembly
- Step 1Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until totally combined. In a medium saucepan, add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry.
- Step 2Over medium heat, bring mixture to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has thickened to a syrupy texture and it coats the strawberries. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3To serve top each slice with a few glazed strawberries and a swirl of whip cream
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