Cheesecake with lemon curd

The perfect dessert is not just a simple pleasure, but an experience that brings us together, enveloping us in delicious flavors and textures. Today, I will guide you through the process of making a lemon curd cheesecake, a sophisticated yet simple dessert that will win everyone's hearts! This cheesecake is a perfect balance of creaminess and pleasant acidity, provided by the lemon curd. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 6 hours (including cooling)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 220 g cookies (preferably digestive biscuits or petit beurre)
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
- 675 g cottage cheese (preferably high-fat for a creamy texture)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 180 ml heavy cream (30-35% fat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the lemon curd:
- 150 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 100 ml fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 75 g unsalted butter, diced
- Zest of 2 lemons

Preparing the lemon curd (before the cheesecake)

We start by making the lemon curd, as it will need time to cool.

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and eggs. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing again.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter cubes. Continue to stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken (about 10 minutes). It is important not to let it boil, as the lemon curd needs to thicken slowly to achieve a smooth texture.
4. Once the lemon curd is ready, strain it through a fine sieve to remove any lumps, then let it cool to room temperature.

Making the cheesecake

1. Preparing the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Crush the cookies in a food processor until you achieve a fine texture. If you don't have a food processor, you can place the cookies in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until you get a moist mixture.
- Press the cookie mixture into a springform pan (24 cm diameter) firmly on the bottom and sides. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Finally, add the cream and vanilla extract, mixing gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles.

3. Assembling the cheesecake:
- Remove the crust from the oven and pour 2/3 of the cottage cheese filling over it.
- Add half of the lemon curd, then use the tip of a knife to create a pattern (e.g., swirls or lines).
- Pour the remaining cottage cheese filling, followed by the rest of the lemon curd. Again, use the knife to create a decorative pattern on the surface of the cheesecake.
- Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center is still soft but not liquid.

4. Cooling and serving:
- Once the cheesecake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours.
- After it has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to set well.
- When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the pan and cut it into equal portions.

Helpful tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the eggs and cottage cheese are at room temperature before using them. This helps achieve a creamier texture.
- Avoid cracks: It is important not to overbeat the cheesecake mixture, as excess air can lead to cracks during baking. Mix gently, just until smooth.
- Storing the cheesecake: The cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, making it perfect to prepare in advance for a party.
- Variations: You can customize this cheesecake by adding 100 g of melted white chocolate to the filling or replacing the lemon curd with lime curd for a tropical twist.

Ideal pairings

This lemon curd cheesecake pairs perfectly with a fresh berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of green tea or a dry white wine can successfully complement this refined dessert.

Nutritional benefits

- Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
- Lemons are rich in vitamin C, contributing to the immune system and providing important antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.

2. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
- Preheat the oven and do not open it during baking to avoid temperature changes.

3. Is it necessary to use lemon curd?
- Lemon curd is the key ingredient that brings acidity and flavor to this cheesecake. If you want a simpler version, you can use just a lemon glaze.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The lemon curd cheesecake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy!