Festive Animal Cookie Strawberry Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vibrant strawberry cheesecake is a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. With a buttery animal cookie crust, a silky smooth strawberry filling, and playful toppings, it’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any fun celebration. The nostalgic animal cookie base adds a unique twist, making this cheesecake both whimsical and delicious!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

• Frosted animal cookies (crushed)
• Unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
• Eggs
• Cornstarch

For the Topping

• Whipped cream
• Extra frosted animal cookies
• Fresh strawberries (sliced)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a springform pan.
2. Make the Crust: Crush the animal cookies in a food processor until fine. Mix with melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake: Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

4. Blend the Filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and strawberry puree.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in cornstarch until combined.
6. Pour & Bake: Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly.
7. Cool & Chill: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

Decorate & Serve

8. Garnish: Top with whipped cream, extra animal cookies, fresh strawberries, and sprinkles.
9. Slice & Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate.
• Berry Mix: Use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free animal cookies for the crust.
• Extra Crunchy: Mix crushed animal cookies into the filling for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular graham crackers instead of animal cookies?

Yes, but the frosted animal cookies add a fun, sweet twist.

Do I have to use fresh strawberries?

No, frozen strawberries work too—just thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Bake with a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to add moisture.

Can I make this cheesecake no-bake?

Yes! Skip the eggs and cornstarch, and fold in whipped cream for a no-bake version.

What size springform pan should I use?

A 9-inch pan works best for this recipe.

Can I add food coloring for a more vibrant look?

Yes! A few drops of pink food coloring will enhance the color.

How do I get clean slices?

Wipe the knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts.

Can I make mini cheesecakes instead?

Yes! Use a muffin tin with cupcake liners and reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

How do I make the crust extra firm?

Press it down firmly and freeze it before adding the filling.

What’s the best way to blend the filling?

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to avoid overmixing.

Conclusion

This festive animal cookie strawberry cheesecake is a fun, creamy, and delicious dessert perfect for any celebration. With its unique crust, luscious strawberry filling, and playful toppings, it’s a treat that brings both nostalgia and indulgence to the table. Try different variations, decorate creatively, and enjoy every bite of this whimsical delight!

Festive Animal Cookie Strawberry Cheesecake

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Festive Animal Cookie Strawberry Cheesecake is a fun and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion! Featuring a buttery animal cookie crust, a silky smooth strawberry cheesecake filling, and whimsical toppings, this vibrant treat is both eye-catching and irresistible.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 2 cups crushed frosted animal cookies
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream
• Extra frosted animal cookies, for garnish
• 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix crushed animal cookies with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add strawberry puree, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
4. Add Eggs & Cornstarch: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in cornstarch until just combined.
5. Bake: Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
6. Decorate: Top with whipped cream, extra animal cookies, and sprinkles before serving.

Notes

• Use freeze-dried strawberries for a stronger strawberry flavor.
• Swap animal cookies for graham crackers or vanilla wafers if preferred.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• chill time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American