Summer Berry Cheesecake Delight
Summer Berry Cheesecake Delight is a creamy, fruity dessert combining luscious cream cheese, a crunchy graham cracker crust, and a vibrant mix of fresh summer berries. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake balances tangy richness with natural sweetness and can be customized with various toppings and crust options.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust used)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed almonds or pecans (for nutty crust variation)
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Topping
- 2 cups fresh mixed summer berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Optional: warmed jelly or simple syrup for glaze
- Optional garnishes: fresh mint leaves, powdered sugar
- Prepare the Crust: Finely crush the graham crackers, mix them thoroughly with melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to create an even crust layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating to incorporate sweetness. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Beat the mixture until perfectly smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared cream cheese filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles like jelly.
- Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up and develop the ideal texture.
- Add the Berry Topping: Once fully chilled, gently arrange an even layer of fresh summer berries on top of the cheesecake. Optionally, brush the berries with a light glaze made from warmed jelly or simple syrup to add shine and keep berries fresh longer.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream for a smoother filling without lumps.
- Beat just until smooth to avoid excess air that can cause cracks during baking.
- Baking in a water bath helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking on the cheesecake surface.
- Chill fully before adding berries to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh, ripe berries instead of frozen for optimal flavor and appearance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesecake, summer dessert, berries, creamy cheesecake, graham cracker crust, fresh fruit dessert, no bake topping