Name: Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 h 35 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 375g Scotch Finger Biscuits (about 1.5 packets); 150g butter, melted; 500g cream cheese; 100g icing sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 500ml cream; 500g frozen strawberries, thawed; 45g icing sugar; 1 cup boiling water; 1 x 85g pack of powdered strawberry jelly

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If you are craving a dessert that looks stunning, tastes divine, and is perfect for sharing with friends or family, the Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dessert blends a crisp biscuit base with a luscious, creamy cheesecake layer and finishes with a vibrant strawberry topping that bursts with fresh flavor. Not only is it a showstopper on any dessert table, but it also offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tang, and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite go-to treat for celebrations or simple indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up of a single layer of whole and halved strawberries soaking in bright red syrup inside a shiny metal bowl. The strawberries are shiny, wet, and vary in size, with some showing smooth surfaces and tiny seeds. The syrup pools around the strawberries, giving a rich, glossy red color that covers and surrounds them. The bowl's metallic inner side reflects light, adding a smooth silver texture on the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy biscuit base to the creamy cheesecake layer and the irresistible strawberry topping. These easy-to-find essentials come together to create a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting.

375g Scotch Finger Biscuits: These provide a classic, buttery crunch that forms the perfect base for the cheesecake.
150g butter, melted: Helps bind the biscuit crumbs together for a solid, flavorful foundation.
500g cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake, lending that smooth, tangy richness we all love.
100g icing sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cream cheese.
Zest of 1 lemon: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
2 Tbsp lemon juice: Enhances the tangy notes for a well-balanced cheesecake layer.
500ml cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates an airy, light texture in the cheesecake filling.
500g frozen strawberries, thawed: For the juicy, natural fruity layer that tops the cheesecake beautifully.
45g icing sugar: To sweeten the strawberry layer perfectly without masking their natural taste.
1 cup boiling water: Needed to dissolve the powdered jelly, helping set the strawberry topping.
1 x 85g pack of powdered strawberry jelly: Gives the strawberry topping a glossy finish and that perfect jelly consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crumb Layer

Start by blitzing your Scotch Finger biscuits in a food processor until they become fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse again until everything is combined into a sandy, buttery mixture that will hold together when pressed. Press this crumb mixture evenly into a large dish around 23cm by 33cm and pop it into the fridge. This chilled cookie crust will serve as the crisp, sturdy foundation for your cheesecake layers.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Next, whisk the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth and creamy using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Incorporate the zest and juice of one lemon—this step is key for giving the cheesecake layer a subtle, refreshing tang. Slowly add the cream in halves, mixing continuously until the filling reaches soft peaks. This airy texture is what makes each bite so light and delightful. Once ready, set the cream cheese mixture aside for assembly.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Layer

In a large saucepan, combine the thawed strawberries and 45g icing sugar. Pour in the boiling water and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently, allowing the strawberries to break down gracefully. Use a spoon to mash any large pieces to create a textured yet spreadable topping. Sprinkle in the powdered strawberry jelly and stir until dissolved completely. Let this mixture cool to room temperature—the jelly will thicken the topping and give it a shiny, inviting look.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

Remove the chilled biscuit base from the fridge and spread the luscious cream cheese layer over it evenly. Carefully pour the cooled strawberry mixture on top, allowing it to form a beautiful, glossy layer. Return the assembled tray cheesecake to the fridge and let it set overnight—the wait is worth every moment as the flavors meld into a perfectly cohesive dessert.

How to Serve Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe

A slice of layered dessert on a white plate sits in the foreground. The dessert has three layers: a light brown crumbly base, a thick middle layer of creamy white filling, and on top, a bright red sauce with whole raspberries, slightly dripping down the sides. A gold spoon rests on the plate, partly under the dessert, and has some of the dessert on it. Behind the plate, there is a clear glass dish filled with the same dessert, showing the three distinct layers and more of the red topping on the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can have fun and make your Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe even more eye-catching. Fresh strawberry slices are an obvious but elegant choice, offering pop and freshness. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of icing sugar over the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a beautiful contrast to the strawberry sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Consider serving it alongside a small bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra creamy element. A crisp, slightly tart fruit salad can also complement the rich cream cheese and sweet strawberry layers, balancing the dessert nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just serve this cheesecake straight from the tray; elevate the presentation by cutting neat squares and placing them on individual dessert plates. Layer slices of fresh strawberries or edible flowers atop each piece for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even try serving it in mini mason jars for a charming, portable treat that’s perfect for picnics or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed the first round of this delightful Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe, simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after resting for a day or two, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

Freezing

If you want to store this dessert for longer periods, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping them completely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When properly wrapped, the cheesecake can be frozen for up to one month without losing its texture or flavor. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, allow frozen portions to thaw fully in the refrigerator. Serve straight from the fridge for a refreshingly cool and creamy experience every single time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries work beautifully in this recipe. If you use fresh berries, simply wash, hull, and lightly crush them before cooking. They will bring an even fresher flavor profile to your Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe.

Do I need a food processor to crush the biscuits?

While a food processor makes it quick and easy to achieve fine crumbs, you can also place the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Just make sure the crumbs are fine enough for a solid base.

Can I substitute the strawberry jelly powder with another flavor?

You can experiment with other jelly flavors, such as raspberry or cherry, for a twist. However, using strawberry jelly keeps the flavor harmonious and true to the original recipe’s intent.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and cream for its creamy texture, so dairy-free alternatives would require experimentation with products like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. The texture may vary but it’s worth trying if you have dietary restrictions.

How long does the cheesecake need to set in the fridge?

The cheesecake should chill for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to firm up completely. This resting time is crucial for the jelly topping to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert you’ll want to make again and again. From the buttery biscuit base to the velvety cream cheese layer and luscious strawberry topping, this dessert has a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s both simple to prepare and wonderfully impressive to serve, making it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the delight it brings to your dessert table!

Strawberry Tray Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need