Cake - cheesecake

Mango and Glazed Strawberry Cheesecake: A Delight for Your Celebrations

On a special day, nothing compares to a creamy cheesecake that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This simple and quick recipe combines the smooth texture of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of mango and the crunchiness of biscuits, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to summer picnics. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours in the fridge
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g biscuits (preferably digestive biscuits or Petit Beurre)
- 200 g butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 5 ml)

For the cream cheese filling:
- 500 g cream cheese (can be well-drained cottage cheese or mascarpone for a smoother cream)
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 5 ml)
- 1 ripe mango

For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (a few, for decoration)
- 50 g milk chocolate (for glazing the strawberries)
- Plastic wrap (for lining the pan)

Instructions

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by crushing the biscuits. You can use a food processor, or if you don’t have one, place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer the crushed biscuits to a large bowl.

Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is homogeneous and moist. This will form the dense and crunchy base of the cheesecake.

2. Forming the crust:
Line a 20 cm round cake pan with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap extends over the edges of the pan (this trick will make it easier to remove the cake). Press the biscuit mixture into the pan, using a spoon or the bottom of a glass to create an even layer.

Place the pan in the fridge for 2-3 hours. If you’re in a hurry, 1-2 hours will suffice, but the cheesecake will taste better if you let it chill thoroughly.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a large bowl, start whipping the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until it becomes firm. Add the vanilla extract and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix to combine the flavors well.

In a blender, peel the mango, cut it into cubes, and puree it until smooth. Add the mango puree to the cream cheese mixture, blending slowly until all the ingredients are well combined and creamy.

4. Assembling the cheesecake:
Remove the crust from the fridge and carefully pour the cream cheese filling over it, leveling the surface with a spatula. Return the cheesecake to the fridge, preferably overnight, but for at least 4 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

5. Preparing the decoration:
When you’re ready to serve the cheesecake, carefully remove it from the pan using the plastic wrap. Prepare the glazed strawberries: melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler, then dip each strawberry in the chocolate. Place them on a plate and let them cool (they will harden quickly).

6. Serving:
Decorate the cheesecake with the glazed strawberries, arranging them nicely on top. You can also add a few mint leaves for a pop of color. Cut the cheesecake into slices and serve with a big smile!

Helpful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Instead of mango, you can experiment with berry puree or strawberry puree for a fruity cheesecake variation.
- Make sure the cream cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.

Nutritional benefits:
Mango cheesecake is a good source of protein from the cheese and healthy fats from the butter. Mango provides a significant amount of vitamins, especially vitamin C and beta-carotene, while strawberries are rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.
- What if I don’t have chocolate? You can leave the strawberries plain or glaze them with yogurt.
- How can I store the cheesecake? You can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.

This mango cheesecake is not only a delicious recipe but also a wonderful way to celebrate beautiful moments with your loved ones. So, get ready to impress with this refined dessert and bring joy to those around you!