New York Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight

When we think of a dessert that delights our senses and brings back memories of special moments spent with loved ones, New York Cheesecake is among the first options that come to mind. This cheesecake, with its velvety texture and a crunchy cookie crust, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving guests or simply want to treat yourself, this cheesecake recipe is easy to make and impresses with every slice.

Total preparation time: 5 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cookie crust:
- 350 g digestive biscuits
- 90 g unsalted butter

For the cheese filling:
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)
- 60 ml water
- 450 g cream cheese (Philadelphia is recommended, but you can use other types)
- 200 ml sour cream
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 g sugar

For the topping:
- 200 g mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, currants)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons water

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

1. Crushing the biscuits: Start by crushing the digestive biscuits. You can use a food processor for a fine texture or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin—a classic and handy method.

2. Melting the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Make sure it doesn’t reach a boiling point, just melt it completely.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Add the crushed biscuits to the bowl with the melted butter. Mix well until you get a homogeneous dough. The texture should be similar to that of wet sand.

4. Forming the crust: Transfer the biscuit mixture to a 20-25 cm tart pan. Use the bottom of a spoon or a glass to press the mixture evenly into the pan, creating a compact and even base.

5. Cooling: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to set.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Dissolving the gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 60 ml of water, mixing well. Let it bloom for a few minutes.

2. Making the cheese base: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

3. Incorporating the gelatin: Once the gelatin has bloomed, gently heat it (you can use the microwave for a few seconds) until it becomes liquid. Add the gelatin to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.

4. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. Make sure the bowl and whisk are cold for the best results.

5. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

6. Pouring the filling: Pour the filling over the cooled cookie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight to set completely.

Step 3: Preparing the Topping

1. Cooking the berries: In a saucepan over low heat, add one-third of the berries, sugar, and water. Cook the mixture until the sugar dissolves and a light syrup forms, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Adding the remaining berries: Once the syrup has formed, remove the saucepan from heat and add the rest of the berries. Gently stir to avoid crushing them.

3. Cooling the topping: Transfer the topping to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until serving.

Step 4: Serving the Cheesecake

1. Preparing to cut: Before cutting the cheesecake, I recommend dipping the knife in warm water. This trick will help you achieve clean and beautiful slices.

2. Adding the topping: Before serving, pour the chilled berry topping over the cheesecake. You can also add a few mint leaves for a fresh look and extra aroma.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other types of creamy cheese or even cottage cheese, depending on your preferences.
- Topping variations: You can use any type of berries or even a mix of tropical fruits for an exotic flavor. Caramel or chocolate sauces are also delicious options.
- No-gelatin cheesecake: If you prefer a gelatin-free recipe, you can use beaten eggs: add them to the filling and bake the cheesecake at 160°C for 50-60 minutes.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This New York Cheesecake recipe has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. While it is a more indulgent dessert, the cheese provides protein and calcium, and the berries add antioxidants and essential vitamins. When consumed in moderation, these ingredients can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different biscuits for the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with chocolate biscuits or sugar-free digestives, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do if the cheesecake doesn’t set properly?
Ensure that the gelatin is correctly dissolved and that the cheesecake has enough cooling time. If necessary, you can add more gelatin.

3. How can I store the cheesecake?
The cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-5 days. You can freeze individual slices, but the texture may change upon thawing.

Conclusion

New York Cheesecake is a versatile and beloved dessert that can be customized to suit your preferences. This simple yet elegant recipe will help you impress anyone who enjoys it. Take advantage of special occasions or simply indulge in personal moments of delight with each creamy and flavorful slice. Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories!