Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of your springform pan with a parchment paper round for easy removal. Then, double wrap the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Step 2

Use a food processor to make graham cracker crumbs. Alternatively, crush them in a resealable bag using a rolling pin or kitchen mallet. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter, sugar, and salt. It should resemble wet sand and hold its shape when pressed. Add the crumbs to the pan and firmly pat down to get an even layer on the bottom and sides. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3

Make the batter: Reduce the oven to 325°F. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy on medium-high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom halfway through. Lastly, remove large air bubbles by reducing the speed to the lowest setting for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 4

Water bath: Pour the batter into the springform pan and remove any air bubbles by banging the pan onto the kitchen counter lined with a kitchen towel. Put the springform pan into a larger roasting pan and add hot water a few inches up the side to create a water bath.

Step 5

Bake: Bake at 325°F for 75 minutes. Turn off the oven and use a wooden spoon to crack open the oven door. Let the cheesecake slowly reduce in temperature for one hour then remove it from the oven.

Step 6

Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and remove the foil. Once it reaches room temperature, loosely cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours to overnight.

Step 7

Halve about half the strawberries and set them aside. Purée the other half of the strawberries using a blender or food processor. Pour the purée into a pot and mix in the cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and add the strawberry halves. Taste and adjust with more sugar or lemon juice as needed. If needed, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time. Note: The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Step 9

Add the cooled strawberry topping to the cheesecake, reserving some for serving on the side. Cut slices using a thin knife that's been dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each slice. Serve and enjoy!