Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is a dreamy, no-bake dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a crunchy cookie topping that brings it all together. With its luscious layers and vibrant strawberry flavor, this cheesecake is a total showstopper—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime I want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers the flavor of classic strawberry crunch ice cream bars in cheesecake form. It’s creamy, fruity, and that crunchy topping adds the perfect contrast to every smooth bite. No oven, no water bath—just mix, chill, and enjoy. It’s easy to prep ahead and always disappears fast.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
for the crust:
golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos), crushed
unsalted butter, melted
for the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese, softened
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping)
fresh strawberries, chopped
strawberry gelatin powder (for flavor and color)
for the strawberry crunch topping:
golden sandwich cookies
freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry gelatin mix
butter, melted
directions
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Make the crust: I mix crushed cookies with melted butter and press it into the bottom of a springform pan. I chill it while preparing the filling.
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Make the filling: In a large bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. I add strawberry gelatin powder and fold in chopped strawberries.
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I whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (or fold in whipped topping), then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
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I pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Make the crunch topping: I pulse golden cookies and freeze-dried strawberries or gelatin powder in a food processor. I drizzle in melted butter and pulse again until crumbly.
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I sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the cheesecake.
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I cover and chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
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I slice and serve cold—sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or extra berries on top.
Servings and timing
This cheesecake serves 10–12. Prep time is about 25 minutes, and chill time is at least 4 hours—no baking required.
Variations
Sometimes I mix raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry twist. I’ve also made it in a 9×13 dish for a more casual “cheesecake bar” style. When I want a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, tightly covered. This cheesecake also freezes well—I slice it first, then freeze and thaw individual pieces in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, I’ve used whipped topping (like Cool Whip) and it works great. It’s a great shortcut and helps the filling hold its shape.
Do I need freeze-dried strawberries for the crunch?
Not necessarily. I’ve made it using strawberry gelatin powder with the cookies for color and flavor when I don’t have freeze-dried berries.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I usually make it a day ahead and chill it overnight. It slices better and the flavors develop even more.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
No problem. I use a deep pie dish or 9×13 baking dish. It might not slice as neatly, but it’s still just as delicious.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, I thaw and drain them first so they don’t water down the filling.
Conclusion
Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is everything I want in a dessert—easy, no-bake, creamy, and packed with strawberry flavor and that iconic crunch. Whether I’m making it for a birthday, BBQ, or just a midweek treat, it never fails to wow. It’s a strawberry lover’s dream in every bite.
Print
Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake (No-Bake Dessert Recipe)
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake is an easy no-bake dessert with layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and a buttery strawberry cookie crunch topping. Inspired by the nostalgic strawberry shortcake bars, this showstopping cheesecake is perfect for holidays, summer parties, or whenever you’re craving a fruity and fun treat.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups crushed golden sandwich cookies (like Golden Oreos)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz whipped topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (for flavor and color)
- For the strawberry crunch topping:
- 1 cup golden sandwich cookies
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries or 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin mix
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
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Make the crust: In a bowl, combine crushed golden sandwich cookies with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill while you make the filling.
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Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in strawberry gelatin powder and chopped strawberries.
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Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (or use whipped topping), then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
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Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
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Make the crunch topping: In a food processor, pulse golden cookies and freeze-dried strawberries or gelatin powder until crumbly. Add melted butter and pulse again until combined.
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Sprinkle the crunch topping evenly over the cheesecake.
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Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
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Slice and serve cold, topped with extra whipped cream or berries if desired.
Notes
- Use raspberry or blueberry for a mixed berry version.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese to lighten it up.
- A 9×13 pan works well for a cheesecake bar version.
- Strawberry gelatin adds flavor and a vibrant pink color.
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