Fine cheesecake with strawberries

The fine strawberry cheesecake is a refined dessert that perfectly combines the creamy texture of cheese with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the crunchy base of cookies. This delicious dessert not only impresses with its appearance but also with its taste, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from anniversaries to festive meals. I invite you to discover together with me how to create this culinary masterpiece step by step!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes (no-bake dessert)
Total time: 3-4 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:
- 200 g cookies (preferably digestive or chocolate cookies)
- 70 g butter (melted)
- 700 g fine cream cheese with sour cream Delaco
- 50 ml milk
- 200 g strawberries (fresh, well-ripened)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 packet of gelatin (about 10 g)
- 1 packet of red cake gel
- 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- Strawberry jam (for decoration)

A brief history of cheesecake:
Cheesecake has a long history, having been consumed for thousands of years in various cultures. From ancient Roman recipes to modern ones, cheesecake has constantly evolved but has always retained its essence: a crunchy base and a fine cream. This strawberry cheesecake recipe is a variant that pays homage to tradition but is adapted to contemporary tastes, being easy to prepare and extremely flavorful.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cookie base:
Start by crushing the cookies in a food processor until you achieve a fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a plastic bag and a rolling pin to crush them manually. Transfer the crushed cookies to a bowl and add the melted butter. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture that can be easily pressed.

2. Forming the base:
Line a removable-bottom cake pan (approximately 22 cm in diameter) with baking paper. Pour the cookie mixture into the pan and press firmly with your hand or the bottom of a glass to obtain an even base. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Creating the cheese filling:
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the Delaco cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla essence. Add the milk, lemon zest, and mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. It is important to use a quality cream cheese, as this will determine the final texture of the cheesecake.

4. Preparing the gelatin:
Hydrate the gelatin in a little cold water for 5-10 minutes. Once it has swelled, dissolve the gelatin over low heat, being careful not to boil it. Once the gelatin has completely dissolved, add it to the cream cheese and mix well.

5. Assembling the cheesecake:
Remove the cookie base from the refrigerator and evenly pour the cream cheese over it. Level the surface with a spatula and let it sit for a few minutes. Now, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the cheese to add extra flavor.

6. Decorating with strawberries:
Wash the strawberries, cut them in half or slices, and artistically arrange them on top of the cheesecake. Use your creativity to create an attractive arrangement.

7. Preparing the strawberry jelly:
In a small pot, dissolve the cake gel packet in 200 ml of water and add the strawberry syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for one minute, stirring constantly. Once you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, pour the jelly over the strawberries, covering the dessert evenly.

8. Cooling the cheesecake:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the cheesecake chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, but ideally, leave it overnight. This cooling time is essential to allow the gelatin to set and achieve a perfect texture.

9. Serving:
After the cheesecake has completely cooled, carefully remove the sides of the pan and transfer the dessert to a serving platter. It is delicious served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the fruity flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it to avoid lumps.
- You can also add other berries or a caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- This cheesecake is an excellent choice for a summer dessert, thanks to the freshness of the strawberries.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta, but make sure the texture is smooth.

2. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Make sure not to overmix the cream cheese and let the dessert cool slowly.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but it is best to thaw and drain them well before use.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This strawberry cheesecake recipe has approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent source of protein from cheese and vitamins from strawberries, offering a sweet dessert that can reasonably fit into a balanced diet.

In conclusion, the fine strawberry cheesecake is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that brings joy both during preparation and serving. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories around the table! Enjoy!