Celebrate Independence Day with a slice of something sweet —right from the comfort of your kitchen. This cheesecake features a creamy blueberry base, decadent chocolate ganache, and a vibrant topping of macerated strawberries.
Red, white, and blueberries never looked (or tasted) so good.
Layered with creamy cheesecake, bursting blueberries, silky ganache, and a juicy crown of strawberries dressed in basil and citrus, this beauty is a star-spangled showstopper.
Ready to recreate the magic at home? Tie on your apron and let’s get baking—freedom never tasted so sweet.
Graham Cracker Crust
Ingredients:
½ cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
2 Tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp of salt
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Mix all ingredients until the texture feels like wet sand.
Press into the base of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely before moving on.
Pro tip: Want extra crunch? Toast the crust an extra 2–3 minutes.
Cheesecake Filling
Ingredients:
1½ lbs. cream cheese
2 oz soft butter
2 oz sour cream
4 eggs + 1 yolk
1 tsp vanilla
½ lemon, zested
1-pint fresh blueberries
Method:
Whip the cream cheese until cloud-like.
Slowly add eggs and sugar, mixing to a silky-smooth consistency.
Blend in butter, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Fold in those plump, sweet blueberries—gently!
Pour over the crust.
The Water Bath Bake
Nestle the springform pan in a larger baking dish. Add warm water halfway up the sides.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes at 350°F.
Cover with foil and bake another 25 minutes.
Cool for 2 hours on the counter, then chill for at least 1 hour.
Macerated Strawberries (aka Berry Bliss)
Ingredients:
1-pint strawberries (sliced or quartered)
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
1 Tbsp. of chopped fresh basil
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and give them a good toss.
Let them lounge for an hour—juicy, sweet, and herby perfection awaits.
Chocolate Ganache (because why not?)
Ingredients:
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
Method:
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler.
Warm the cream until just simmering, then whisk into the chocolate until glossy and rich.
Let it cool slightly, then pour that velvety magic over the chilled cheesecake.
Chill again—just one more hour—we promise it’s worth it.
To Serve
Slice, top with macerated strawberries, and cue the oohs and aahs. Fireworks are optional but highly encouraged.