Cheesecake with clementines

Clementine Cheesecake: a delicious and refreshing dessert

Who doesn't love a creamy cheesecake with fresh flavors and an elegant appearance? This clementine cheesecake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a celebration, a party with friends, or simply a delightful dessert after dinner. With a crunchy biscuit base and a fluffy cream, this recipe is sure to win you over. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Chilling time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 350 g biscuits (preferably digestive or chocolate biscuits)
- 150 g Rama margarine (or butter)
- 13-14 whole biscuits (for decoration)

*For the cream:*
- 300 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 150 g sugar
- 100 ml cold water
- 100 ml hot milk
- 20 g gelatin (about 2 packets)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 oranges
- 3 apples
- 4 clementines (for decoration)
- 2 lemons

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by breaking the biscuits into smaller pieces and putting them in a blender. Grind them until you obtain a fine powder. This step is essential, as a well-ground base will have a uniform texture and will support the delicious cream.

2. Adding the butter:
Melt the Rama margarine (or butter) in a bain-marie or in the microwave. Once melted, add it over the biscuits and mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure all the biscuit powder is well coated with butter, so you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the base:
Take a round springform pan and pour the biscuit mixture into it. Use the bottom of a glass or a spoon to press the biscuits firmly, forming an even base. This step will ensure that the cheesecake does not crumble when cut. Place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.

4. Preparing the cream:
Start by hydrating the gelatin. Place the gelatin in cold water and let it swell for 8-10 minutes. In the meantime, in a bowl, mash the cottage cheese until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, then mix a little to incorporate them.

5. Adding the cream:
Begin to gradually add the liquid cream and mix until you achieve a fluffy cream. Be careful not to overmix, or the cream will become too soft.

6. Incorporating the gelatin:
The swollen gelatin should be dissolved in the hot milk (but not boiling!). Mix well to ensure the gelatin completely dissolves. Then, gradually add the dissolved gelatin into the cheese cream, stirring continuously.

7. Preparing the fruits:
Peel the oranges, apples, and lemons and cut them into small cubes. These fruits will add extra freshness to the cheesecake. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and oranges and keep it to soak the whole biscuits.

8. Assembling the cheesecake:
Remove the biscuit base from the fridge. On the edge of the pan, place the halved slices of orange and lemon. Add half of the cheese cream and level it well. Soak the whole biscuits in the fruit juice and place them on top of the cream.

9. Finalizing the cheesecake:
Pour the remaining cheese cream over the biscuits and level it. Decorate with the sliced clementines and place the cheesecake in the fridge for another hour to firm up well.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cheesecake with a berry sauce or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost. You can pair the dessert with a cup of winter tea or a glass of sweet white wine for a complete culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
This clementine cheesecake is a healthier choice than other desserts, thanks to the protein-rich cottage cheese and fresh fruits that provide vitamins. Additionally, clementines are an excellent source of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with various seasonal fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, or mango.

2. How can I make the cheesecake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use unsweetened cottage cheese.

3. Is it possible to use a vegan version?
Replace the cottage cheese with a soy product or a mixture of cashew nuts and use plant-based cream.

4. How can I tell if the cheesecake is ready?
The cheesecake is ready when the cream is firm to the touch and does not wobble.

Chef's tips:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to achieve a smooth texture.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can grate a little lemon or orange zest into the cheese cream.
- If you want a lighter cheesecake, you can use light cream or Greek yogurt.

Now that you have all the necessary information, start preparing this clementine cheesecake and impress your family and friends with a special delicacy! With each slice, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!