Berry cheesecake

Berry Cheesecake - A Perfect Delight

Traveling down the fascinating road of desserts, berry cheesecake stands out as a culinary gem, capable of delighting any palate. This recipe, simple yet elegant, promises to transform any occasion into an unforgettable feast. Moreover, it is a dessert that brings together the creamy texture of cheese with the natural sweetness of berries, creating a perfect contrast.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

For the biscuit base:
- 300 g Petit Beurre biscuits (or another type of crunchy biscuits)
- 150 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (for a subtle chocolate flavor)

For the cheese cream:
- 300 g cottage cheese (ideal for a smooth texture)
- 250 g mascarpone (adds creaminess)
- 350 ml whipped cream (well beaten)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 5 g gelatin (optional, for a firmer texture)

For the fruit jelly:
- 400 g berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet the berries are)
- 5 g gelatin (optional, for better consistency)
- 2 tablespoons water (for dissolving the gelatin)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the biscuit base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, crumble the Petit Beurre biscuits until you achieve a fine texture. You can use a food processor or place the biscuits in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa, mixing well. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the composition becomes moist and binds together.
Transfer this mixture into a detachable baking mold lined with parchment paper. Press firmly with a spoon or by hand to create an even layer. Bake the base for 7-10 minutes, being careful not to let it become too crunchy. An 8-minute bake is ideal for achieving a perfect base.

2. Preparing the cheese cream:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar, using a mixer to obtain a smooth paste. Add the mascarpone and continue mixing until you achieve a fluffy cream. Gradually fold in the whipped cream, mixing with a spatula to maintain the airiness.

3. Preparing the fruit puree:
In a small saucepan, mash the berries using a blender or a fork until you obtain a fine puree. This will add not only a delicious taste but also a vibrant color to your cheesecake. If you want to remove the seeds, you can strain the puree through a fine sieve.

4. Assembling the cheesecake:
Once the base has cooled, pour half of the cheese cream over the biscuit base. Add 3 tablespoons of the fruit puree to the other half of the cream and gently mix to create a pink hue. Pour the pink cream over the white one and level it with a spatula.

5. Preparing the fruit jelly:
If using gelatin, hydrate it in cold water for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, in the saucepan with the fruit puree, add the sugar and simmer the mixture over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and incorporate the hydrated gelatin, stirring until it fully dissolves. Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour it over the cheese cream.

6. Cooling and serving:
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set. Once the jelly has hardened, remove the detachable ring and cut the cheesecake into slices. You can decorate with fresh fruits for a special look.

Useful tips:
- Use mixed berries for a more complex flavor and an attractive color palette.
- If you want to make this recipe in a vegan version, you can substitute the cheese with a mix of silken tofu and cashews.
- Adding a hint of vanilla to the cheese cream can further enhance the dessert's flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This berry cheesecake is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, thanks to the berries. Additionally, cottage cheese and mascarpone provide a significant amount of protein and calcium, making this dessert a healthier choice for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruits for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can use any type of fruit you prefer, such as kiwi, mango, or peaches. Make sure the fruits are ripe and sweet.

2. What can I do if I don't have gelatin?
If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can omit this ingredient, but the cheesecake will not have the same firm texture.

3. How should I store the cheesecake?
The cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container and can be consumed within 3-4 days.

Now that you have this delicious berry cheesecake recipe at your fingertips, it's time to put your creativity to the test and impress your family or friends with a dessert that will leave everyone in awe. Whether you choose to serve it as a dessert at a special dinner or simply as a weekend treat, this cheesecake will undoubtedly become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire!