Making a strawberry cheesecake may seem intimidating at first, but is actually quite simple. This guide will provide everything you need to know about how to make strawberry cheesecake.

Succulent strawberries and creamy cheesecake are a classic combination. Whether you are planning desert for a party or a family summer meal, strawberry cheesecake is a crowd pleaser. This truly decadent dessert combines rich flavor with a smooth and silky texture.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.About.com: How To Make a Graham Cracker Pie Crust
2. Place graham crackers into a plastic bag.Whats Cooking America: Graham Cracker Pie Crust
3. Using a rolling pin, roll graham crackers until finely crushed.Makes and Takes: Homemade Graham Cracker Crust
4. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.Whats Cooking America: Graham Cracker Pie Crust
5. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.Recipezaar: Basic Graham Cracker Crust
6. Bake for 10 minutes then cool.About.com: How To Make a Graham Cracker Pie Crust
   • TIP: Freeze your crust up to an hour before baking to prevent crumbling.Whats Cooking America: Graham Cracker Pie Crust

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.All Recipes: Strawberry Cheesecake

2. In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer. You can also use a food processor.Epicurious: Strawberry-Strawberry CheesecakeWARNING: Pop-ups

3. Gradually add the sugar, beating until fluffy and smooth.Epicurious.com: Strawberry-Strawberry CheesecakeWARNING: Pop-ups

4. Add the lemon peel and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.Meals.com: Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

5. Beat in eggs, one at a time.All Recipes: Strawberry Cheesecake

6. Spread evenly into prepared graham cracker crust.Taste of Home: Strawberry Cheesecake

7. Bake for 1 hour until center is firm.Recipezaar: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe

8. Let the cheesecake chill in refrigerator for about 3 hours.Recipezaar: Strawberry Cheesecake

1. Wash and hull fresh strawberries.About.com: Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
   • If using frozen strawberries, thaw before using.Moms Who Think: Strawberry Cheesecake
2. Using a food processor or blender, combine strawberries and cornstarch until smooth.Taste of Home: Strawberry Cheesecake
3. Transfer strawberries and cornstarch to a small saucepan.
4. Add sugar, water and grated lemon peel.Recipezaar: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe Food Network: New York-Style Cheesecake with Choice of...
5. Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil.Recipezaar: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
6. Stir constantly for one minute until glaze is thickened.Recipezaar: Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe
7. For a vibrant color, stir in 2 - 3 drops of red food coloring (optional).Garden Web: Strawberry Glaze for Cheesecake
8. Let topping cool to room temperature.Food Network: New York-Style Cheesecake with Choice of...

1. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake and the springform pan to loosen.

2. Once loosened, remove the side of the pan.Taste of Home: Strawberry Cheesecake

3. Spread cooled topping over cheesecake and serve.Food Network: Simply Delicious New York-Style Cheesecake ...

1. Swirl strawberry sauce in the cheesecake batter to create a strawberry marbled cheesecake.Recipezaar: Strawberry Marbled Cheesecake
2. Spike your Strawberry Sauce using a touch of brandy.Food Network: Simply Delicious New York-Style Cheesecake...
3. Substitute shortbread cookies for graham crackers.Epicurious.com: Strawberry-Strawberry CheesecakeWARNING: Pop-ups
4. For a healthier alternative, make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Stacks.Self: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie Stacks
5. For a low-fat option, try this sugar-free strawberry cheesecake.My Easy Cooking: Low-Fat Strawberry Cheesecake
6. Chocolate cookies and cocoa give your crust a yummy twist.Recipezaar: 4 Inch Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake
7. For a quick and easy treat, make a no-bake strawberry cheesecake.Recipezaar: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Only have five minutes? Try Rachael Ray's Individual No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes.Food Network: Individual No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes
   • YouTube Video: Rachael Ray's Individual No-Bake Strawberry... (Time: 3:01)