White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 8 oz white chocolate, melted
• ½ cup sour cream

Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Slowly pour in the melted white chocolate, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in the sour cream until the filling is smooth and well combined.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan, creating a water bath.
3. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
5. Remove from the oven, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.

5. Assemble and Serve:

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan.
2. Spoon the cooled strawberry sauce over the top of the cheesecake.
3. Slice and serve, garnished with fresh strawberries if desired.

Enjoy your creamy and decadent White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake!