Cheesecake

Cheesecake - A Light Delight for Special Moments

Cheesecake is the perfect choice for any occasion, from festive meals with many guests to family weekend evenings. It is a delicate dessert that combines the fine flavors of cheese with the freshness of fruits, and its light texture makes it easy to enjoy. Moreover, the recipe is simple, and the result is always impressive. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 2 large eggs
- 7 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for flavor)

*For the cream cheese filling:*
- 250 g cream cheese (preferably Philadelphia)
- 200 g mascarpone
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (approximately 10 g)
- 500 g whipped cream (approximately 2 cups)
- 200 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 100 g sugar (for whipped cream)

Preparing the Base

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they whip better. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add the two egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer until they form a firm, fluffy foam.

3. Add sugar and egg yolks: Continuing with the mixer, gradually add the 7 tablespoons of powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes a smooth cream. Then, add the egg yolks and mix for a few seconds to incorporate them.

4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add them to the mixture. Use a spatula and gently fold with up-and-down motions to avoid developing gluten in the flour.

5. Pour into the pan: Grease a cake pan (approximately 24 cm in diameter) with butter and line it with parchment paper. Pour in the mixture and level the surface.

6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the base for 20-25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Hydrate the gelatin: In a small bowl, add 5 tablespoons of cold water and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it hydrate for 5 minutes.

2. Whip the cream cheese: In another bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and mascarpone for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Dissolve the gelatin: Heat the gelatin over a double boiler (or in the microwave, but with great care) until completely dissolved, making sure it doesn’t boil. Add half of the dissolved gelatin to the cheese mixture and mix well.

4. Prepare the whipped cream: In another bowl, whip 300 g of whipped cream with 100 g of sugar until firm. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently with a spatula.

5. Add the strawberries: Wash the strawberries and cut them into cubes. Incorporating them into the whipped cream mixture will give a fresh and flavorful taste.

6. Incorporate the remaining gelatin: Add the remaining dissolved gelatin to the cream cheese and mix well.

Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare the syrup: You can use a strawberry syrup or sugar water to soak the base. You can also add a bit of lemon juice for a fresher taste.

2. Assemble the cake: Place the base on a serving platter and soak it evenly. Using a piping bag, create circles of cream cheese on the soaked base.

3. Add the whipped cream: Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese evenly over the base. Then, decorate the edges with orange slices or any other preferred fruit.

4. Chill: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to set properly.

5. Finishing touches: Once chilled, whip 100 g of whipped cream and spread it evenly over the surface of the cake. You can garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh fruits like raspberries or blackberries.

Serving Suggestions

The cheesecake is served cold and is ideal alongside a fragrant tea or fine coffee. It can be accompanied by vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change the ingredients?: Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of cheese or add flavors like vanilla or citrus zest for a personalized taste.

2. How can I make the cake easier?: If time is an issue, you can use a pre-made cake base and focus on the cream cheese filling.

3. Can I use other types of fruit?: Definitely! You can replace the strawberries with berries, peaches, or even bananas to give the cake a different twist.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of cheesecake has approximately 300-350 calories. It provides protein from the cheese and cream, but it is important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content. By using low-fat cheese or substituting sugar with natural sweeteners, you can reduce calories.

Possible Variations

- Chocolate cheesecake: Add cocoa powder to the base mixture for a chocolate-flavored cake.
- Gluten-free cheesecake: Replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour.
- Coffee cheesecake: Add instant coffee to the cream cheese for a stronger flavor.

This cheesecake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to create a dessert that perfectly fits any occasion. Whether you choose to serve it at a party or simply indulge yourself, the result will always be delightful! Enjoy!