What is strawberry crunch cake made of?

That iconic topping comes from crushed vanilla cookies , strawberry preserves , and a bit of Jell-O powder for color and flavor. It’s sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive.

Do I need a springform pan?

Yes! It helps your cheesecake hold its shape and makes serving way easier. If you don’t have one, line a deep dish pan with parchment and let it cool completely before removing.

Is strawberry crunch the same as strawberry shortcake cheesecake?

Not quite. Strawberry shortcake cheesecake usually layers cake and cheesecake , while strawberry crunch is all about that cookie crumble topping , like the ice cream bar we all grew up loving.

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake (Baked With Cookie Crumble)

Description

Nostalgic, creamy, and crowned with a sweet strawberry cookie crunch, this baked cheesecake brings back all the memories of classic ice cream bars—with a homemade, heartwarming twist.

Ingredients

Scale

4 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened to room temp
4 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed (for crust)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon strawberry Jell-O powder
⅓ cup strawberry preserves
1½ cups vanilla wafer cookies, roughly crushed (for topping)

Instructions

Prep the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix 1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers with ½ cup melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until just combined. Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between each addition. Pour over cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake the Cheesecake: Wrap springform pan in foil. Place in a water bath. Bake at 325°F for 50–55 minutes until just set but slightly wobbly. Cool on counter 1 hour, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Crunch Topping: In a bowl, stir together ⅓ cup strawberry preserves and 1 tablespoon strawberry Jell-O powder. Fold in 1½ cups crushed vanilla wafers until crumbly.
Assemble: Once cheesecake is fully chilled, sprinkle topping generously across the surface. Slice and serve!

Notes

🍓 Springform pan makes slicing clean and easy.
❄️ Make ahead by baking a day early and topping just before serving.
💡 Add fresh lemon zest to brighten the filling.
Swap preserves for raspberry or peach for a seasonal twist.
Use gluten-free cookies for an allergy-friendly version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry crunch cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake with cookie topping, baked strawberry cheesecake, nostalgic desserts, birthday cheesecake