Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven [00:06]

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust [00:09]

1. Crush 270 grams of graham crackers in a food processor or by hand.
2. In a large bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter until clumpy.
3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan, covering the bottom and sides about an inch high.
4. Bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling [02:11]

1. In a bowl, add 3 packages (8 ounces each) of room temperature cream cheese and mix with a hand mixer for about 3 minutes until creamy.
2. Add 1 1/4 cups (250 grams) of granulated sugar and mix on medium-low for 2 minutes until fully incorporated.
3. Whisk 3 eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
4. Add 1/2 cup (120 grams) of sour cream, 2 teaspoons of lemon zest, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined.
5. Stir in the strained strawberry jam (1/4 to 1/3 cup) and a pinch of salt.
6. Finally, add the whisked eggs and mix until just incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake [07:02]

1. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.
2. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 300°F and bake for about 1 hour until slightly jiggly in the center.
3. Place a ramekin of water in the oven halfway through baking to help keep the top moist.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping [07:25]

1. Hull and slice 2 pounds of fresh strawberries, separating them into two groups: the 'beauties' for topping and the others for cooking.
2. In a large pan, combine half of the strawberries with 100 mL of water, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the strawberries break down.
4. Mash the cooked strawberries to create a puree and continue cooking for about 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake [10:55]

1. Once the cheesecake is baked and cooled, run a knife around the edge to loosen it and remove from the pan.
2. Top the cheesecake with the strawberry topping, arranging the reserved 'beauties' on top for presentation.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy [11:43]

Slice the cheesecake and enjoy the light, creamy texture topped with fresh strawberries!