Easter Strawberry Cheesecake Cake (Print Version)

A festive dessert with fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake layer, and a crisp graham cracker topping.

# Ingredients:

Fruit

01 - 2 pounds fresh ripe strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced

Cheesecake Filling

02 - 8 ounces softened cream cheese
03 - 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

06 - 1 box (about 9 sheets) graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs
07 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

Additional

08 - ½ cup granulated sugar
09 - Optional: Easter-themed sprinkles for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 - Place the sliced strawberries into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over them to macerate.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
04 - Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the sugared strawberries, covering them completely.
05 - Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor, blender, or rolling pin.
06 - Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the cheesecake layer, ensuring full coverage.
07 - Evenly drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the graham cracker crumbs to create a crispy crust.
08 - Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but may have a slight jiggle in the center.
09 - Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight to firm the dessert and ease slicing.
11 - If desired, scatter Easter-themed sprinkles over the cooled dessert before cutting into squares and serving at room temperature or cold.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the dessert to chill thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal texture.