Cheese Cake With Strawberry Fruit

Ingredients:

For the crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the filling

• 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 eggs

For the strawberry topping

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ½ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.

3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly. Set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan.

7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the center is slightly jiggly.

8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.

9. Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

10. While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir well to combine.

11. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and the strawberries soften, for about 5-7 minutes.

12. Remove the strawberry topping from the heat and let it cool completely.

13. Once the cheesecake has set, carefully remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.

14. Pour the cooled strawberry topping over the top of the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.

15. Slice and serve your delicious strawberry cheesecake. Enjoy!

Note: You can also garnish the cheesecake with additional fresh strawberries if desired.