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Hey everyone, Lisa here! I’m so excited to share my latest creation: the Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake. Imagine the creamy, tangy goodness of a classic cheesecake swirled with the sweet, fruity burst of strawberries and the irresistible crunch of Snickers. It’s a dessert mashup that sounds crazy but tastes absolutely divine! This isn’t your grandma’s cheesecake; it’s a modern twist that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Food has always been a huge part of my life, from childhood dinners filled with homemade pasta to the everyday chaos of getting dinner on the table for my own family. Between balancing life with my husband, our daughter Sophia, and our golden retriever Max—who firmly believes every meal is made for him—cooking in my kitchen is always an adventure.
I first got the idea for this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake while trying to decide what to make for Sophia’s birthday. She loves both cheesecake and Snickers, so I thought, why not combine them? After a few attempts (and a lot of taste-testing), this masterpiece was born. Let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could say “Happy Birthday!” This cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the magic that happens when you dare to be a little different in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake
Listen, I get it. Cheesecake can seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is totally doable, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Here’s why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake:
- The Flavor Combo: Seriously, the combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and salty-sweet Snickers is out of this world. It’s a party in your mouth!
- It’s Easier Than You Think: We’re talking simple steps and straightforward instructions. No fancy techniques required.
- Impressive Presentation: This cheesecake looks like it came straight from a bakery. Get ready for the “oohs” and “aahs” when you bring it to the table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Tuesday night (because why not?), this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake is always a hit.
- Family Approved: My daughter Sophia is obsessed with this cheesecake, and trust me, she’s a tough critic. If she loves it, you know it’s good!
Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake: Key Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need. No obscure stuff here, just good ol’ classic flavors!
- Cream Cheese: The foundation of any great cheesecake. Make sure it’s full-fat and softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness. Full-fat is best for the richest flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and give the cheesecake its structure.
- Vanilla Extract: A must for enhancing the overall flavor. Use the real stuff, not imitation, for the best results.
- Graham Crackers: For that classic cheesecake crust.
- Butter: To hold the crust together. Melted unsalted butter works best.
- Snickers Bars: The star of the show! Chop them into small pieces.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds a burst of fruity freshness and beautiful color. You can use frozen, but fresh is definitely better.
- Strawberry Jam or Preserves: Used in the strawberry swirl for an extra boost of strawberry flavor.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part: making this amazing cheesecake! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step.
Part 1: The Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush the Graham Crackers: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine with Butter: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press it evenly.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Part 2: The Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Fold in Snickers: Gently fold in the chopped Snickers bars.
Part 3: The Strawberry Swirl
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a small bowl, mash some of the fresh strawberries with a fork until you have a chunky puree. Mix in the strawberry jam or preserves.
Part 4: Assembling and Baking
- Pour Filling into Crust: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Add Strawberry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree over the filling and use a knife or skewer to create a swirl pattern.
- Pour Remaining Filling: Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the strawberry swirl.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Part 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh strawberries and chopped Snickers bars.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every bite of this Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake!
Essential Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake
Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake turns out perfectly:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly and prevents lumps in your cheesecake.
- Don’t Overbeat: Overbeating the cheesecake filling can incorporate too much air, causing the cheesecake to puff up and then crack during baking. Mix until just combined.
- Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier cheesecake, bake it in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in, and place it in a larger pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water.
- Cooling is Key: Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar is crucial for preventing cracks. Patience is your friend here!
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set properly.
- Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan is essential for easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging it.
- Evenly Press the Crust: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the graham cracker crust evenly into the pan. This ensures a sturdy base for your cheesecake.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for the strawberry swirl and garnish, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture.
- Customize Your Swirl: Get creative with your strawberry swirl! Use a knife or skewer to create different patterns. You can even add a few drops of red food coloring for a more vibrant swirl.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the garnish! A generous topping of fresh strawberries and chopped Snickers bars adds the perfect finishing touch.
How to Store Your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerating: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving from Frozen: If you’re serving the cheesecake directly from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Individual Slices: You can also freeze individual slices of cheesecake. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.
Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake: Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations and substitutions to try with your Snickers Strawberry Cheesecake:
- Different Crust: Use Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers for a chocolatey twist. Remove the cream filling before crushing the cookies.
- Other Candy Bars: Swap out the Snickers bars for other candy bars like Twix, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or Milky Way.
- Different Berries: Use raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries. Or, use a mix of berries for a colorful and flavorful cheesecake.
- Chocolate Cheesecake: Add melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a rich chocolate cheesecake.
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Add peanut butter to the cheesecake filling for a creamy peanut butter cheesecake.
- Caramel Swirl: Add caramel sauce to the cheesecake filling and create a caramel swirl instead of strawberry.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this cheesecake gluten-free.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling to make it less sweet. You can also use a sugar substitute.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual mini cheesecakes instead of one large cheesecake. Use muffin tins lined with cupcake liners.
snickers strawberry cheesecake: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This gives the flavors time to meld together and the cheesecake to set properly.
- Can I freeze this cheesecake?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Why did my cheesecake crack?
- Cheesecakes crack for a variety of reasons, including overbaking, overbeating the filling, and rapid temperature changes. To prevent cracking, make sure to follow the tips in this recipe, such as not overbeating the filling, cooling the cheesecake gradually in the oven, and baking it in a water bath (optional).
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Fresh strawberries are best for the strawberry swirl and garnish.
- Do I need a springform pan?
- Yes, a springform pan is essential for easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging it.
- Can I make this cheesecake without a crust?
- While I recommend using a crust for the best texture and flavor, you can bake the cheesecake without a crust if you prefer. Just grease the bottom of the springform pan before pouring in the filling.
- What if I don’t like Snickers?
- No problem! You can substitute the Snickers bars with other candy bars or simply leave them out for a classic strawberry cheesecake.
- How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from getting soggy?
- Baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling helps to prevent it from getting soggy. Also, make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan.
I hope these tips and tricks help you create the perfect snickers strawberry cheesecake! Happy baking!
PrintA creamy, tangy cheesecake swirled with strawberries and Snickers bars.
- Total Time: At least 5 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1. Graham crackers
- 2. Unsalted butter, melted
- 3. Full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 4. Granulated sugar
- 5. Full-fat sour cream
- 6. Vanilla extract
- 7. Eggs
- 8. Snickers bars, chopped
- 9. Fresh strawberries
- 10. Strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- 1. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- 2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
- 3. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes and let cool.
- 4. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- 5. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 6. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- 7. Gently fold in the chopped Snickers bars.
- 8. Mash some fresh strawberries with strawberry jam to create a chunky puree.
- 9. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- 10. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree over the filling and create a swirl pattern.
- 11. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the strawberry swirl.
- 12. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- 13. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
- 14. Remove and let cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 15. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chopped Snickers bars before serving.
Notes
Make sure cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature., Don’t overbeat the cheesecake filling., Bake in a water bath for an even creamier cheesecake., Cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door ajar., Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight)., Use a springform pan., Evenly press the crust., Use fresh strawberries for the strawberry swirl and garnish., Customize your swirl., Garnish generously.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Unspecified
- Fat: Unspecified
- Carbohydrates: Unspecified
- Protein: Unspecified