Strawberry and fresh cheese cake

Strawberry and Fresh Cheese Cake

Looking for a way to bring a touch of sunshine into your day? This strawberry and fresh cheese cake is the perfect choice! Easy to prepare, with fresh flavors and delicious textures, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among your loved ones. So, get ready to dive into the world of desserts with a simple yet impressive recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the biscuit crust:
- 250 g Petit Beurre biscuits (or plain biscuits)
- 130 g soft butter (at room temperature)

For the cheese cream:
- 250 g mascarpone (or ricotta cheese)
- 400 g fresh cheese (fromage blanc or cottage cheese)
- 200 g whipped cream (pre-whipped)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 vanilla pod (or vanilla extract)
- 4 sheets of gelatin

For decoration:
- 1 container of fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons of grated coconut

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the biscuit crust

1. Start by crushing the Petit Beurre biscuits in a food processor or, if you don’t have one, place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The biscuits should turn into a fine powder.
2. Add the soft butter to the crushed biscuits and mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. The consistency should be similar to that of wet sand.
3. Cover a tray with plastic wrap, then evenly spread the biscuit mixture on the bottom, pressing down firmly to create a stable base. Place the tray in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow the crust to set.

Step 2: Preparing the cheese cream

1. In a large bowl, add the mascarpone and fresh cheese. Use an electric mixer to combine them until creamy and lump-free.
2. Add the sugar and the seeds from the vanilla pod (or vanilla extract) and mix again until well combined.
3. In another bowl, place the gelatin sheets in cold water to hydrate for 5-10 minutes.
4. Once softened, drain the gelatin sheets and dissolve them in a small amount of warm water (about 2-3 tablespoons). Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved, then add it to the cheese mixture, stirring quickly to avoid lumps.
5. Finally, gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula, making sure to use an up-and-down motion to keep the cream airy.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Once the crust has set, remove the tray from the fridge. Pour the cheese cream over the crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
2. If desired, you can add some diced strawberries to the cheese cream for an enhanced flavor.
3. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow it to set properly.

Step 4: Decorating the cake

1. After the cake has set, carefully remove it from the tray, peeling off the plastic wrap.
2. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices, arranging them evenly on the surface of the cake. Sprinkle grated coconut on top for an appetizing look and a tropical touch.

Practical tips:

- Choose fresh strawberries: Make sure to use ripe and juicy strawberries for the best flavor. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delicious variation.
- Gelatin: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin. Check the preparation instructions, as agar-agar requires a slightly different approach.
- Variations: You can try adding a few drops of lemon juice to the cheese cream for a refreshing note. Additionally, a splash of fruit liqueur can add a unique flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to skin health and the immune system. Fresh cheese provides protein and calcium, making it a lighter choice compared to traditional cakes.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use gluten-free biscuits? Yes, you can replace the biscuits with a gluten-free option to make this cake accessible to those with intolerances.
- How long does it keep in the fridge? The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered to prevent drying out.
- Can I freeze the cake? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake. Just be sure to cover it well to maintain its texture.

Serving suggestions:

This strawberry and fresh cheese cake is perfect for serving at parties or gatherings with friends. You can pair it with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert. Additionally, a fruit tea or refreshing lemonade would make a wonderful pairing.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Your friends and family will be delighted with this quick and delicious dessert, and you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of offering them something truly special. Enjoy!