Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Stir until well combined.
• Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or your fingers to firmly pack it down.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Stir in the sour cream and flour until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
• Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set.
• While the cheesecake is chilling, prepare the strawberry topping. In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
• In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and stir until thickened about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Once the cheesecake has chilled, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spoon the strawberry topping over the cheesecake.
• Slice the Homemade Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping into pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy indulgence of this delightful dessert!