Description
This Strawberry Animal Cookie Cheesecake is a delightful twist on classic cheesecake featuring a crunchy frosted animal cookie crust and chunks folded into a creamy strawberry-flavored filling. Topped with whipped cream, extra crushed cookies, and optional strawberry sauce, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness, a hint of fruitiness, and playful texture that is sure to delight dessert lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed frosted animal cookies
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed frosted animal cookies
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Extra crushed animal cookies
- Strawberry sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Crust: Combine 2 cups of crushed frosted animal cookies with 1/4 cup melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust. Bake it for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Sour Cream: Blend in 1 cup sour cream thoroughly to add moisture and richness to the batter.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition to prevent overmixing which can cause cracks during baking.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 1/4 cup strawberry puree and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to infuse the cheesecake with fruity and aromatic flavors.
- Fold in Cookies: Gently fold 1 cup crushed frosted animal cookies into the batter to add texture and bursts of sweet crunch.
- Fill the Pan: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly when gently shaken. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly cracked for 1 hour to cool gradually and prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, additional crushed animal cookies, and a drizzle of strawberry sauce if desired to enhance its visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake layers.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbeat the eggs to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps maintain a smooth surface.
- For best flavor and texture, chill the cheesecake overnight.
- Strawberry sauce is optional but adds extra fruity sweetness and moisture.
