Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
Creamy, Tangy, Sweet — with That Classic Strawberry Shortcake Crunch!
If you’re a cheesecake lover and a fan of strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, this recipe is your dream come true. These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks combine the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the nostalgic crunch topping from childhood favorite frozen treats.
Baked as a slab-style cheesecake and cut into portable, snackable chunks, this dessert is perfect for parties, picnics, birthdays, or just keeping in the fridge for late-night cravings. The crumbly graham base, luscious cream cheese filling, and strawberry crunch topping come together in a dessert that’s equally elegant and fun.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Chill Time: 4+ hours (or overnight)
Servings: 20–24 bite-sized chunks
Storage: Fridge or freezer friendly
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Base:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:
- 1 (3 oz) box strawberry gelatin mix (Jell-O)
- ¾ cup crushed Golden Oreos (or vanilla sandwich cookies)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingers or the bottom of a flat cup.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
Add in the sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream. Beat until the mixture is creamy and well blended, but don’t overmix.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
Do not overbake — the cheesecake will continue to firm up as it cools.
Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 15–20 minutes to avoid cracking.
Remove from the oven, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before adding the topping and slicing.
4. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Golden Oreos, strawberry gelatin mix, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, colorful crumbs.
Sprinkle the strawberry crunch mixture generously over the fully chilled cheesecake.
Gently press it into the surface to help it stick.
Pro Tip: If you love extra crunch, double the topping and press some onto the sides of each chunk after slicing.
5. Slice and Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cheesecake out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife (wiped clean between cuts) to slice the cheesecake into squares or bite-sized chunks.
Serve chilled — and prepare for these to disappear fast!
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store cheesecake chunks in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations & Tips
- Make it strawberry swirl: Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam or puree on top of the cheesecake batter before baking, then swirl with a knife.
- Add fresh strawberries: Top each chunk with a fresh berry for a beautiful presentation.
- Use different cookies: Swap Golden Oreos for Nilla Wafers or shortbread cookies for a slightly different crunch.
- No-bake option: Use a no-bake cheesecake filling with gelatin or whipped cream for an oven-free version.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks
- Bite-sized and portable
- Nostalgic strawberry crunch topping
- Creamy, rich cheesecake base
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead
- Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just treating yourself!
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Chunks are the ultimate dessert mashup — a little retro, a little gourmet, and 100% irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a party, giving them as gifts, or sneaking one from the fridge when no one’s looking, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite.
Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and just the right size — this dessert is pure joy in every bite.
