Strawberry Cheesecake
This made from scratch, butter crusted strawberry cheesecake is luscious and refreshing. Perfect for summer cookouts, special events, or “just because,” this cheesecake will be the highlight of any occasion! All of us here at the Farmhouse were very eager to taste this decadent dessert after our dinner, and with the first bite we all looked at each other with widened eyes and let out a simultaneous, “Mmmm! This is so good!”
It’s little moments like this that fill me up and spur me onward as a homemaker and stay at home mom. Because to be perfectly honest, I don’t really have the time to consistently be making from scratch baked goods, jams, jellies, breads, cakes, muffins, etc. I have to carve out the time to do these things and it requires me to lay aside my natural tendency of selfishness for the greater good of my Farmer and Farmer Boy. I want both of them to feel fully loved and taken care of by the woman they call wife and mother. And while I know that dishing out homemade goodies may seem like a rather silly way of showing my love for them and most certainly may not be an option for some, it’s my way of trying to create an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and memorable. I want our home to be their favorite place in the whole world. The home that our Farmer Boy will be able to look back on one day and say, “I loved that place. It wasn’t perfect, but it was pleasant, peaceful, and playful.”
I hope you have enjoyed my shared strawberry recipes over the last week and are inspired to create some goodness for your own family as well. You would be surprised at what great conversation can occur over a simple dinner and slice of cheesecake. Enjoy!
Abide in Him Always,
Ashley
Strawberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
For Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup cold butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Filling
- 5 8 oz. pkgs cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 cups crushed strawberries
- Strawberries for garnish, optional
Instructions
To Make Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut butter in until crumbly. Whisk egg yolks and vanilla. Add to flour mixture , tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
- Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased, 9 inch spring-form pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on rack.
To Make Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the half and half, flour, salt and vanilla. Add eggs and egg yolk; beat on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in crushed strawberries and pour batter into crust. Return pan to the baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for additional 60-70 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.