Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your cheesecake doesn’t stick.
- Spread the strawberry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the strawberry layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter, mixing until the batter resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake batter atop the cream cheese layer; expect it to be crumbly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- For the finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries or serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it’s time to serve Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake, presentation matters! For a beautiful touch, plate individual squares and dust each piece with powdered sugar. You can stack a few fresh strawberries on top for an enticing finish, or even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra creaminess. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade, and you have the perfect dessert spread!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but possible), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever a cheesecake craving strikes! Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving again.
Extra advice
For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this helps in achieving a smoother consistency. If you want to speed things up, you can microwave the cream cheese in short intervals, checking to ensure it doesn’t melt. Also, feel free to experiment with different pie fillings based on your preferences—blueberry or cherry are delightful alternatives that can add a unique twist!
Creative twists
Why stick to just the classic strawberry when there are endless possibilities? Consider swapping out the strawberry pie filling for peach or raspberry, or even mixing in some white chocolate chips in the cream cheese layer for added sweetness. You can also explore adding a layer of crushed graham crackers for an extra crunch or topping it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for those chocolate lovers!
Common questions
How long does prep take?
Prep time for Donna Wood Strawberry Cheesecake is about 15 minutes, especially if you have your ingredients ready. Baking will take about 45-50 minutes, followed by cooling and chilling time.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
While strawberry pie filling gives a rich, sweet flavor, you can absolutely use fresh strawberries. Just macerate them with a little sugar to draw out the juices and enhance their sweetness before layering them in.
Is it safe to leave out the cheesecake at room temperature?
It’s best to store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods can compromise its quality and safety. When serving, limit time at room temperature to no more than two hours.
