Cheesecake

Cheesecake – A Creamy and Flavorful Delight

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Cheesecake is a classic dessert that has won the hearts of many over time. With a crunchy biscuit crust and a rich creamy cheese filling, this cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, an anniversary, or simply a night of indulgence.

Ingredients needed:

For the crust:
- 250 g digestive biscuits
- 200 g unsalted butter

For the filling:
- 400 g Philadelphia cheese or any other cream cheese
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:
- 200 g raspberry jam or berries of your choice (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries)

Step by Step for a Perfect Dessert

1. Preparing the crust: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits. You can do this either with a food processor or by placing them in a bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. The biscuits should turn into fine sand. This is an essential step to achieve an even and crunchy crust.

2. Melting the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Make sure not to let it boil; simply melting it is enough. Once melted, let it cool slightly before mixing it with the biscuits.

3. Mixing the crust: In a large bowl, combine the crushed biscuits with the melted butter. Use a spatula or a spoon to mix well until the biscuits are fully soaked in butter. You should get a moist mixture that will form the base of the cheesecake.

4. Forming the crust: Transfer the biscuit mixture to a springform pan. Use a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the mixture into an even layer at the bottom of the pan. Make sure it is well compacted.

5. Baking the crust: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the crust in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. This will help firm up the crust and achieve a crunchy texture.

6. Preparing the filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add the Philadelphia cheese and sugar. Mix well with an electric mixer until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

7. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure that the filling is well integrated. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing again until you achieve a fine mixture.

8. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a teaspoon of sugar until they become frothy. This step adds air and lightness to the filling, resulting in a fluffier cheesecake.

9. Combining the ingredients: Slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula and gentle folding motions to retain the air in the egg whites.

10. Baking the cheesecake: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the cheese filling on top. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the cheesecake back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is firm and slightly golden around the edges.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the cheesecake is baked, let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least two hours, ideally overnight. This helps set the filling and blend the flavors.

12. Adding the topping: Before serving, add a generous layer of raspberry jam or berries on top of the cheesecake. This not only adds a pop of color but also a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheese.

Serving suggestions: The cheesecake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea can perfectly complete the experience.

Nutritional benefits: This cheesecake offers a combination of protein from the cheese, carbohydrates from the biscuits and sugar, and fats from the butter, providing a balance of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use gluten-free biscuits? Yes, gluten-free biscuits are an excellent alternative.
- How can I customize the filling? You can add melted chocolate or fresh fruits to the mixture.
- Can the cheesecake be frozen? Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but make sure to cover it well to avoid excessive freezing.

Customized version: You can try adding a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheese filling to make a chocolate cheesecake. This will add depth of flavor and a rich color.

Discover the joy of cooking with this simple and quick cheesecake, perfect for impressing family and friends. Enjoy!