Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake

#### **Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake**
Preheat your oven to **325°F (163°C)**. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for **50-60 minutes**, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. To avoid cracks, it’s recommended to bake the cheesecake with a **water bath** (a pan of water placed in the oven alongside the cheesecake). This helps maintain moisture and provides gentle heat for an even bake.

Once baked, let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about **1 hour**. Then, remove it from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least **4 hours** or overnight to allow it to set completely.

#### **Step 4: Make the Strawberry Topping**
While the cheesecake is cooling, make the fresh strawberry topping. In a bowl, toss the **sliced strawberries** with **sugar** and **lemon juice**. Let them sit for about **30 minutes** to draw out their juices, creating a sweet, syrupy topping.

Once the cheesecake has fully set in the fridge, spoon the macerated strawberries evenly over the top of the cheesecake, spreading them out for even coverage.

#### **Step 5: Prepare the Krunch Topping**
In a separate bowl, combine the **crushed crispy rice cereal**, **melted butter**, **powdered sugar**, and **strawberry gelatin powder**. Stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated and the mixture is slightly sticky.

Sprinkle the Krunch topping over the strawberry layer on the cheesecake. This adds the perfect crunch to complement the smooth, creamy cheesecake and the juicy strawberries.

#### **Step 6: Chill and Serve**
Once the Krunch topping is evenly spread, return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for about **30 minutes** to allow the topping to set. After that, your **Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake** is ready to be served!

Slice and enjoy the amazing layers of **creamy cheesecake**, **sweet strawberries**, and **crispy Krunch topping** that will have everyone asking for seconds.

### **Why You’ll Love Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake**

– **A Showstopper Dessert**: The vibrant strawberries and the crispy Krunch topping make this cheesecake as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for serving at parties, holidays, or family gatherings where you want to impress your guests.
– **Rich and Satisfying**: The cheesecake is rich and creamy, while the Krunch topping offers a fun contrast, making each bite a delightful experience.
– **Made with Simple Ingredients**: While it may look like a gourmet dessert, it’s made with simple ingredients you can easily find at your local store. It’s a perfect combination of convenience and decadence!
– **Customizable**: You can customize the Krunch topping to suit your taste, whether you want to swap out the strawberry gelatin for a different flavor or add some nuts for an extra crunch.

### **Final Thoughts**

This **Strawberry Krunch Cheesecake** is a dessert that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. It brings together the best of both worlds: a creamy, indulgent cheesecake paired with a sweet, fruity topping and a fun, crunchy finish. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this cheesecake will make any moment feel like a celebration. Try it out, and prepare to be blown away by the delicious layers of flavor and texture in every bite!