Cheesecake with strawberries

Strawberry Cheesecake Tart: A Spring Delight

The strawberry cheesecake tart is the perfect dessert to celebrate spring, providing a delicious alternative to the traditional Easter cake. With a flavorful combination of creamy cheese and fresh fruits, this tart not only delights the taste buds but also adds a touch of freshness to the festive table. In this recipe, I will share the detailed steps to create a perfect cheesecake tart that is sure to become a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 150 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 6 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 75 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder

For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 250 g sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh strawberries (about 300 g)
- Fruit jelly (optional, for added shine)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Necessary utensils
- Food processor or mixer
- Tart pan (preferably 28-30 cm in diameter)
- Large mixing bowls
- Spatula or whisk
- Knife for slicing strawberries
- Baking sheet or parchment paper (optional)

Recipe history

Every dessert has a story, and the strawberry cheesecake tart is no exception. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is known worldwide as a symbol of joy and spring celebrations. Cheese, a staple ingredient in many cultures, is combined with fresh fruits, making this recipe a perfect example of harmony between tradition and innovation.

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the crust

1. Start by preparing the crust. In a food processor, add the cottage cheese, egg, oil, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined.

2. In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the food processor and mix until you obtain a smooth dough.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead it for a few minutes to achieve a fine texture.

4. Roll the dough into a round sheet slightly larger than the tart pan. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, lifting the edges to form a border.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

5. Begin preparing the filling. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

6. In a large bowl, mix the yolks with the cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, rum essence, and cornstarch. Use a whisk to combine all the ingredients.

7. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula to keep the composition airy.

8. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan and level it with a spatula.

Step 3: Decorating with strawberries

9. Wash the strawberries well and slice them. Arrange the strawberry slices evenly on top of the cheese filling. If desired, you can also add fruit jelly for an attractive appearance.

Step 4: Baking

10. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the tart for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden.

11. Once baked, let the tart cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove it onto a serving platter.

Step 5: Serving

12. When the tart has completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish. You can serve the tart plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh cream.

Useful tips

- Choose ripe strawberries: Make sure to select fresh, ripe strawberries for an intense and sweet flavor.
- Alternative to cottage cheese: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use ricotta or goat cheese.
- Vegan option: Substitute the eggs with banana puree or coconut oil and use vegan cheese to adapt the recipe.
- Storage: The tart keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Nutritional benefits

This tart is a good source of protein due to the cheese, while strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, sunflower oil offers healthy fats essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
- What drinks pair well with the tart? A cold lemonade or fruit tea pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tart.
- How do I know when the tart is done? The tart is ready when the filling is firm and the edges are golden. You can also do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the tart is baked.

Personal note

This strawberry cheesecake tart holds a special meaning for me as it reminds me of days spent in the garden with loved ones, picking fresh fruits. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that brings back beautiful memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your taste! Enjoy!