Experience the whimsy of frosted animal cookies combined with the elegance of creamy strawberry cheesecake in this delightful dessert. This recipe is perfect for celebrations or as a fun treat for any day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Playful Crust: Made with frosted animal cookies, it adds a sweet crunch.
- Creamy Filling: The cheesecake filling is silky smooth with fresh strawberry puree.
- Customizable Toppings: Decorate with sprinkles, sauces, and extra cookies for a festive flair.
- No-Fail Dessert: Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- 2 cups crushed frosted animal cookies
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
For the Toppings:
- Whipped cream, for decorating
- Strawberry sauce or caramel drizzle
- Sprinkles, for a festive touch
- Extra frosted animal cookies, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine the crushed animal cookies with melted butter in a mixing bowl until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Beat until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula to maintain the airy texture. Add pink food coloring for a vibrant touch, if desired.
Assemble the Cheesecake
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Decorate the Cheesecake
- Pipe whipped cream along the edges of the cheesecake.
- Drizzle strawberry sauce or caramel over the top.
- Sprinkle with festive sprinkles and garnish with additional frosted animal cookies for a playful finish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Slice into servings and enjoy this sweet, creamy dessert.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Twist: Substitute strawberry puree with raspberry or blueberry puree.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free animal cookies for the crust.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and chill the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Add toppings just before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought strawberry puree?
Absolutely! If using store-bought puree, ensure it’s unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet filling.
3. Can I make this recipe without a springform pan?
Yes! Use a standard pie dish, but note it may be harder to remove slices cleanly.
4. How do I crush the animal cookies?
Place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor.
5. Can I substitute cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and richer.
6. What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries work well. Thaw and drain them before pureeing.
7. Can I skip baking the crust?
Yes, chill the crust in the fridge for 30 minutes to set it instead.
8. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
This no-bake filling eliminates cracks! Just ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling.
9. What’s the best way to slice cheesecake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices for neat cuts.
10. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes! Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies make excellent substitutes.
Conclusion
Animal Cookie Strawberry Cheesecake is a whimsical dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and playful toppings, it’s perfect for parties, holidays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try, and let the compliments roll in!
Print- Author: fella
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 4 h 30min
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a festive Animal Cookie Strawberry Cheesecake! Creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberry flavor, and a frosted animal cookie crust come together in this delightful no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups frosted animal cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- A few drops pink food coloring (optional)
For the Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Strawberry sauce or caramel drizzle
- Sprinkles
- Extra frosted animal cookies
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix and Press: In a bowl, mix crushed frosted animal cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream the Base: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberry puree until well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in whipped cream to create a light and fluffy filling. Add food coloring if desired for a pop of pink.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Step 4: Decorate and Serve
- Add Toppings: Pipe whipped cream around the edges, drizzle with strawberry sauce or caramel, and sprinkle with colorful toppings.
- Garnish: Add extra frosted animal cookies for a fun touch.
- Slice and Serve: Enjoy chilled for a delightful dessert experience!
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
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