Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

The delightful Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake is an exquisite dessert that will leave your taste buds begging for more. This delicacy is a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tangy strawberry swirl. It's a showstopper dessert that's sure to impress guests at your next gathering. The combination of graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and strawberry jam adds up to a heavenly taste that's irresistible.

Photos of Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, such as cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, are standard pantry items. However, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for Greek yogurt, graham cracker crumbs, and strawberry jam. The Greek yogurt gives the cheesecake a tangy flavor and creamy texture, while the graham cracker crumbs are essential for the crust. As for the strawberry jam, it's what creates the beautiful, sweet swirl in our cheesecake.

Ingredients for Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Cooking spray: This is used to prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan.

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of the cheesecake, giving it a sweet and crunchy crust.

Light butter: This contributes to the flavor and texture of the crust.

Cream cheese: The star ingredient of any cheesecake recipe, providing the creamy, rich texture.

Sugar: This sweetens the cheesecake mixture.

Vanilla Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and a hint of vanilla flavor to the cheesecake.

Egg whites: These help to set the cheesecake as it bakes.

Lemon juice: This enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Vanilla extract: This enhances the sweet flavors in the cheesecake.

All purpose flour: This helps to thicken the cheesecake mixture.

Strawberry jam: This is swirled into the cheesecake mixture for a sweet, fruity flavor.

One reader, Kassie Mayer says:

This strawberry swirl cheesecake recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture of the cheesecake combined with the sweet and tangy strawberry swirl is a match made in dessert heaven. It's easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. I can't wait to make it again!

Kassie Mayer

Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

How to prepare graham cracker crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter until evenly moistened, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

How to create a marble effect: Drop small spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the cheesecake filling, then use a knife to gently swirl the jam through the filling to create a marble effect.

How to check for doneness: To check if the cheesecake is done, gently shake the pan. The center should be almost set with a slight jiggle.

How To Make Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

This lite swirl cheesecake recipe is made with a graham crumbs base. Atop is a sweetened strawberry spread resulting in a charming and delectable dessert.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

cooking spray
½cupgraham cracker crumbs,crushed
1tbsplight butter,softened
8ozcream cheese,1 package, reduced fat, softened
¼cupsugar
6ozvanilla Greek yogurt,fat-free
2large egg whites
2tbsplemon juice
½tspvanilla extract
1tbspall purpose flour
¼cupstrawberry jam

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray.
Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and butter with a fork until evenly moistened.
Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of prepared pan.
Using an electric mixer, gently beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually beat in the fat-free yogurt, egg whites, lemon juice, and flour; making sure not to overbeat.
Pour the cheesecake mix over the graham cracker crust.
Stir the jam until smooth, then drop them by small spoonfuls over the surface of the filling.
Using a knife, swirl the jam gently through the filling to create marble effect.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is almost set. Cool to room temperature.
Chill a few hours in the refrigerator.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 187.78kcal
Fat: 12.09g
Saturated Fat: 6.23g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.00g
Carbohydrates: 16.29g
Fiber: 0.20g
Sugar: 11.69g
Protein: 4.05g
Cholesterol: 31.88mg
Sodium: 138.08mg
Calcium: 44.22mg
Potassium: 62.96mg
Iron: 0.32mg
Vitamin A: 99.46µg
Vitamin C: 2.09mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

When swirling the strawberry jam into the cheesecake mix, use a light hand and a thin, sharp knife. You want to create a beautiful marble effect, not mix the jam completely into the filling. The goal is to have pockets of sweet, fruity jam that contrast with the creamy cheesecake. Also, remember to drop the jam in small spoonfuls to make the swirling easier and more effective.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Prep ahead: Prepare the graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling the night before and refrigerate separately. This will save time on the day of baking.

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, egg whites, and yogurt are at room temperature before starting. This will help the ingredients blend more easily and reduce mixing time.

Efficient mixing: Use an electric mixer for efficient and quick mixing of the cheesecake filling. Start with the lowest speed to avoid overbeating.

Bake multiple: Consider making multiple smaller cheesecakes instead of one large one for quicker baking and cooling times.

Chill in freezer: After cooling at room temperature, place the cheesecake in the freezer for a quicker chill before serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

cooking spray - Substitute with butter or oil spray: Butter or oil spray can be used to prevent sticking and add flavor.
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with digestive biscuit crumbs: Digestive biscuit crumbs have a similar texture and flavor to graham crackers.
light butter - Substitute with regular butter or margarine: Regular butter or margarine can be used for a richer flavor.
cream cheese - Substitute with full-fat Greek yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to cream cheese.
sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: Honey or maple syrup can add sweetness and moisture to the cheesecake.
vanilla greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine) or commercial egg replacer: These substitutes can provide binding and leavening properties.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice or orange juice: Lime or orange juice can provide a similar citrus flavor and acidity.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract or other flavored extracts: Almond extract or other flavored extracts can add a different dimension of flavor to the cheesecake.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch or almond flour: Cornstarch or almond flour can be used as a thickening agent in the cheesecake filling.
strawberry jam - Substitute with fresh strawberries or raspberry jam: Fresh strawberries or raspberry jam can provide a similar fruity flavor and swirl effect in the cheesecake.

Presenting Your Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Elevate the plating: When presenting the strawberry swirl cheesecake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate as the canvas for your masterpiece. The contrast of the vibrant strawberry swirl against the creamy cheesecake will be a feast for the eyes.
Garnish with fresh strawberries: Add a touch of freshness and color to the plate by garnishing with fresh strawberries. Slice them delicately and arrange them around the cheesecake, creating a beautiful and inviting display.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor by drizzling a luscious strawberry coulis on the plate. The vibrant red sauce will not only complement the cheesecake but also add an artistic touch to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the plate with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. This subtle touch will add a hint of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Elevate the presentation by incorporating delicate and edible flowers into the plating. Choose edible flowers that complement the flavors and colors of the cheesecake, adding a touch of refinement to the dish.
Create a chocolate drizzle: For a luxurious touch, consider adding a decadent chocolate drizzle to the plate. The rich, dark chocolate against the creamy cheesecake and vibrant strawberry swirl will create a visually stunning and indulgent presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Cheesecake

Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and other cooking surfaces to prevent food from sticking.
Fork: A utensil with prongs used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients to create a smooth and uniform texture.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and swirling the strawberry jam through the cheesecake filling.
8-inch square baking pan: A baking dish used to bake the cheesecake. It should be greased with cooking spray before use.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to crush graham crackers into crumbs for the crust.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing the graham cracker crumbs with butter to form the crust.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Cheesecake

Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the strawberry swirl cheesecake recipe:

Let the cheesecake cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This allows the filling to set properly.
Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure no air can get in which could dry it out.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Place the wrapped cheesecake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Keep it on a shelf towards the back, away from foods with strong odors that could affect the delicate flavor of the cheesecake.
To store in the freezer:
- Place the tightly wrapped cheesecake in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Consider cutting it into individual slices before freezing. Place a piece of parchment paper between each slice so they don't stick together.
- Thaw the frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Individual slices will thaw more quickly, in about 2-3 hours.
For best quality, avoid freezing the cheesecake for longer than 1 month. While still safe to eat beyond that, the texture may start to degrade.
If you used any toppings like whipped cream or fruit, add those only after thawing the frozen cheesecake, right before serving.

Random Fact About Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Strawberry swirl cheesecake is a delicious and creamy dessert that can be enjoyed year-round.

Is Making Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake at Home Economical?

This strawberry swirl cheesecake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cream cheese, greek yogurt, and strawberry jam, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of simple, affordable ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an economical dessert option. Overall, I rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This strawberry swirl cheesecake recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered entirely healthy:

Healthy aspects:

The recipe uses Greek yogurt, which is a good source of protein and calcium
Egg whites are used instead of whole eggs, reducing the cholesterol content
The amount of sugar is relatively low compared to traditional cheesecake recipes

Less healthy aspects:

Cream cheese is high in saturated fat and calories
Graham crackers contain added sugars and refined carbohydrates
Strawberry jam may have added sugars and preservatives

While this recipe is a lighter version of a classic cheesecake, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust using almonds or walnuts, which are rich in healthy fats and fiber
Use a low-fat cream cheese or a combination of low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content
Opt for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar strawberry jam to minimize added sugars
Increase the protein content by adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the cheesecake mixture
Top the cheesecake with fresh strawberries instead of jam for a natural source of sweetness and added fiber

By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and satisfying treat that still captures the essence of a delightful strawberry swirl cheesecake.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Cheesecake Recipe

This strawberry swirl cheesecake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The use of greek yogurt adds a tangy richness, while the strawberry jam creates a beautiful marbled effect, enhancing both the flavor and presentation. The light butter and egg whites contribute to a healthier indulgence without compromising on taste. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes this cheesecake a perfect treat for any occasion. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Enhance Your Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender-crisp. Sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roast the Brussels sprouts until caramelized, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings: Coat the chicken wings in a mixture of honey and sriracha, then bake until crispy and glazed with a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce.

Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh and fruity salsa to serve alongside the cheesecake.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil in a creamy broth until the flavors meld together for a comforting and flavorful soup option.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy chicken alfredo recipe is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and velvety alfredo sauce. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and flavorful addition to any barbecue or cookout. The combination of fresh veggies and a tangy marinade make for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These mango coconut popsicles are a refreshing and tropical treat that's perfect for hot summer days. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these homemade popsicles in no time.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: These colorful and flavorful caprese skewers are a refreshing and light appetizer option. With juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, they're a delightful way to start any gathering.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of fresh vegetables. Toss everything together in a savory sauce for a flavorful and nutritious main course.

Why trust this Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Recipe:

This cheesecake recipe is a delightful treat that combines creamy cream cheese and tangy strawberry jam for a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of vanilla Greek yogurt adds a luscious texture, while the graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch. With the use of egg whites and light butter, this recipe offers a healthier twist without compromising on taste. The incorporation of lemon juice lends a refreshing zing, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to create a delectable strawberry swirl cheesecake that will surely impress your guests.

Want to share your experience making this delectable Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of fruit jam for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of fruit jam for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit jams such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot to create your own unique flavor.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt in this recipe. However, keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, so the texture of the cheesecake filling may be slightly different.

How long should I let the cheesecake cool before refrigerating it?

After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once it has cooled, cover it and place it in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours or until it's firm.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cheesecake ahead of time. In fact, it's best to make it a day in advance to allow it to chill and set properly in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of crust for this cheesecake?

Absolutely! You can use a different type of crust for this cheesecake. Instead of graham cracker crumbs, you can try using crushed vanilla wafers, chocolate cookies, or even a traditional pastry crust for a unique twist.