Simple cheesecake with kiwi

Simple Kiwi Cheesecake: A refined and easy-to-make dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4-5 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 4-5 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

A simple kiwi cheesecake is not only a delicious dessert but also a true aesthetic pleasure! The creamy texture of the cheese perfectly blends with the crunchy biscuit crust and the fresh aroma of kiwi. This dessert is ideal for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a family dinner, or a party with friends. I invite you to discover with me the simple steps to create this delight.

A brief history of cheesecake
Cheesecake has a long history, with roots in various cultures. Over time, recipes have evolved, with each region contributing its own touch regarding ingredients and preparation techniques. Today, cheesecake is appreciated and loved worldwide, and our kiwi version adds a fresh and exotic note.

Necessary ingredients
For the crust:
- 300 g digestive biscuits
- 150 g butter

For the cream:
- 600 g Philadelphia cheese (3 packs)
- 300 ml whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons orange essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 6 sheets of gelatin

For decoration:
- 6 kiwi, sliced
- Red currants (optional)

Step by step: Preparing the cheesecake

1. Preparing the crust
Start by crushing the digestive biscuits. Use a food processor to turn them into a fine powder. This will form the crunchy base of your cheesecake.

Next, melt 150 g of butter in a small saucepan, being careful not to burn it. Once completely melted, let it cool slightly, then add it to the crushed biscuits. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and has a slightly moist texture.

Grease a round springform pan with a little butter, then press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan, forming an even crust. Ensure it is well compacted for a stable base. Place the pan in the fridge to harden while you prepare the cream.

2. Preparing the cream
In a large bowl, whip 300 ml of whipping cream with 50 g of powdered sugar until you get a delicious, fluffy cream. It is important not to overwhip it, as you need an airy texture. Once you have the whipped cream, place the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes.

In another bowl, mix the Philadelphia cheese with 100 g of powdered sugar, the orange essence, and the lemon zest. The fresh aroma of lemon will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cheese. After mixing well, place this bowl in the fridge for 5-10 minutes as well.

3. Gelatin
In a small bowl, soak 6 sheets of gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the water and melt them in a bain-marie, being careful not to boil them. Once fully melted, add them to the bowl with the whipped cream, mixing well to incorporate evenly.

4. Combining the ingredients
Remove the bowl with cheese from the fridge and add the whipped cream mixture with gelatin. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. This is the delicious base of your cheesecake!

5. Assembling the cheesecake
Pour the cream obtained over the biscuit base in the pan, leveling it with a spatula. Decorate with slices of kiwi and, if desired, add red currants for a colorful contrast and a note of acidity.

6. Chilling
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 4-5 hours, but ideally overnight. This will allow it to set perfectly and develop flavors.

Serving and variations
When the cheesecake is ready, remove it from the fridge, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature, then carefully remove the springform bottom. You can serve it plain or with a berry sauce for an extra flavor boost.

I recommend experimenting with various fruits for decoration, such as strawberries, mangoes, or peaches. These variations can add a personalized touch to your cheesecake!

Nutritional benefits
This simple kiwi cheesecake is not only delicious but also relatively low in calories, having about 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the portion served. Philadelphia cheese contains valuable proteins, and kiwi is rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace Philadelphia cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture, but make sure they have a similar moisture content.

2. Can I use vegetable gelatin?
Yes, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar, following the instructions on the package to achieve the same consistency.

3. How can I avoid cracks on the surface of the cheesecake?
One secret is not to overmix the mixture. Also, make sure the cheesecake cools gradually, without thermal shocks.

Serving suggestions
This simple kiwi cheesecake pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet white wine or a fragrant fruit tea. It is a dessert that will bring smiles to everyone's faces, so don't hesitate to enjoy it with your loved ones!

Enjoy preparing and savoring this simple kiwi cheesecake! I invite you to discover other delicious recipes on my blog, where you will find inspiration for all occasions!