Blackberry cheesecake

Blackberry Cheesecake - A Sweet and Creamy Delight

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will impress your guests, blackberry cheesecake is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the creamy texture of cheese with the sweetness of fresh blackberries, offering an explosion of flavors in a single dish. Cheesecake is a classic dessert that has won the hearts of many throughout history, and this blackberry variation adds a touch of freshness and refinement.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 8 hours (including cooling time)
Servings: 12

Ingredients needed

For the crust:
- 250 g digestive biscuits
- 50 g hazelnuts (you can also use walnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences)
- 100 g butter (melted)

For the filling:
- 200 g fresh blackberries (or frozen, but fresh are ideal)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 400 g cream cheese (choose a good quality variant)
- 500 g cottage cheese (make sure it’s not dry)
- 250 ml cooking cream
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
- Fresh blackberries (for decoration)

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the blackberries
We start by washing the blackberries under a stream of cold water, being careful not to crush them. Then, in a small saucepan, we add the blackberries along with the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. We bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. We turn off the heat and let it cool. This blackberry sauce will add an intense flavor to the cheesecake.

Step 2: Preparing the crust
In a food processor, we grind the digestive biscuits along with the hazelnuts until we achieve a fine texture. Then, we add the melted butter and mix well. We prepare a pan with a diameter of 23-24 cm, lined with baking paper, and press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan, slightly up the sides. We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the base for 10 minutes. This step will ensure a crispy crust, perfect for the creamy filling.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
In a blender, we mix the cottage cheese with the cooking cream until we obtain a smooth mixture. We add the cream cheese and brown sugar, continuing to blend for about 3 minutes, until the mixture becomes homogeneous. We add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Finally, we add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, blending again.

Step 4: Assembling the cheesecake
We take the pan out of the oven and pour 3/4 of the cheesecake mixture over the biscuit base. In the remaining 1/4, we add the blackberry sauce and mix gently. We pour the blackberry mixture into the pan, creating a marbled effect by gently swirling with a knife or fork. We return the pan to the oven at 160 degrees Celsius for one hour. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking to avoid cracking the cheesecake.

Step 5: Cooling the cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is done, we let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, we transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. This cooling time will allow the flavors to develop and the cheesecake to set.

Step 6: Preparing the topping
For the topping, we whip the cream with the vanilla sugar until we achieve a firm consistency. We decorate the cheesecake with whipped cream and fresh blackberries, keeping the prettiest ones for decoration.

Serving suggestions
Blackberry cheesecake is served cold, making it an ideal dessert for hot summer days. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lemonade. It also pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine.

Practical tips
- Choose fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor. If unavailable, frozen blackberries can be used, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Ensure that the cottage cheese is not dry to avoid a crumbly filling. Choose a creamy variant.
- You can vary the recipe using other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to achieve different flavors.
- Instead of hazelnuts, you can use almonds or walnuts for a distinct note in the crust.

Nutritional information
This blackberry cheesecake recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving, providing a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and cream cheese. Blackberries bring antioxidants and vitamins, benefiting the immune system and skin health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. How can I avoid cracking the cheesecake?
Bake it at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking.

3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but it is recommended to let it thaw in the refrigerator gradually before serving.

The blackberry cheesecake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring summer to your plate. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!