Cherry Cheesecake

Berry Cheesecake – A Delight That Will Enchant Any Table

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

A cheesecake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and satisfaction in every slice. This berry cheesecake is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for impressing guests or indulging the family. Preparing this classic dessert is an art, and each step can be customized to your tastes. So, let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:

For the crust:
- 300 g digestive biscuits (or butter cookies for a more intense flavor)
- 150 g unsalted butter (melted)

For the cheese mixture:
- 500 g cream cheese (you can also use ricotta for a finer texture)
- 250 g sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 5 eggs
- 2 egg yolks

For the glaze:
- 250 g frozen berries (a mix of berries is ideal)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (depending on the sweetness of the fruits)
- 1 packet of gelatin for decoration
- 50 ml water

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by crushing the biscuits. Use a rolling pin or a food processor to achieve a fine powder. Digestive biscuits are the perfect choice due to their crunchy texture, but you can also opt for butter cookies for added flavor.

Melt the butter in the microwave and ensure it is completely melted. In a large bowl, add the crushed biscuits and melted butter, along with a tablespoon of sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. This mixture will not only form the base of your cheesecake but will also add a delicious taste.

2. Forming the base:
Use a square cake pan with removable sides. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter to prevent sticking. Press the biscuit mixture with your fingers to form an even layer. Make sure it is well compacted so that it does not crumble during baking.

3. Preparing the cheese mixture:
In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer or a spatula to mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth mixture. This is the moment when you can experiment with flavors - for example, you can add a few drops of almond extract for a unique taste.

Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. This will give your cheesecake a creamy and rich texture.

4. Baking the cheesecake:
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius for 5-10 minutes before placing the cake inside. Pour the cheese mixture over the biscuit base, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Bake the cheesecake at a constant temperature of 150 degrees for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges are firm and the center is slightly jiggly. Wait patiently for it to cool completely before cutting. This way, you guarantee a perfect dessert without cracks.

5. Preparing the glaze:
For the topping, mix the frozen berries with sugar and 50 ml of water in a pot over heat. When the mixture starts to boil, add the gelatin and continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. This step will ensure a shiny and appealing glaze.

Once the glaze is ready, let it cool for a minute, then pour it over the cheesecake. It is important to wait until the cake has completely cooled to avoid melting the glaze.

6. Final cooling:
Leave the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step will help the glaze set and allow the flavors to meld.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cheesecake with a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves for a fresh contrast. You can accompany the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.

Possible variations:
Instead of berries, you can try using peaches or mango for a tropical glaze. You can also replace the cream cheese with mascarpone for a more decadent texture and taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheesecake contains protein from the cheese and is a good source of calcium. The frozen fruits add antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert not just a pleasure but also a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought cheese?
Yes, you can use store-bought cheese, but make sure it is of good quality to achieve a delicious cheesecake.

2. What can I do if the cheesecake cracks?
If the cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! Cover it with glaze and it will look perfect.

3. How can I tell if the cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are firm and the center is slightly jiggly.

This berry cheesecake recipe will not only bring a smile to your loved ones' faces but will surely become part of your culinary tradition. So, put on your apron and enjoy every step of this delicious process!