Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake – A Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t love a refreshing cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavors? This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring you unmatched joy in every slice. The strawberry cheesecake is a perfect choice for warm summer days as well as special occasions. Its sweet and tangy flavor combined with a creamy texture makes this dessert a family favorite.

A bit of history

The strawberry cheesecake has its origins in culinary traditions that blend fresh fruits with delicious cheeses. These combinations have been cherished over time, and their popularity has grown with the discovery of baking methods and the improvement of preparation techniques. Thus, today, this cake manages to be a symbol of refinement and freshness.

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

*For the cream:*
- 650 g strawberries (fresh or frozen, but fresh are the most delicious)
- 1 packet of white gelatin
- 60 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 200 g fine cottage cheese
- 200 g sweet cream
- 100 ml milk
- 200 g whipped cream (preferably freshly whipped)
- 100 g strawberry jam
- 1 packet of red Tort Gelee (optional, for a shiny appearance)

Ingredient details

- Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, benefiting the immune system.
- Cottage cheese contributes to a high protein intake, being a healthy option in sweet dishes.
- Gelatin helps stabilize the cream, providing a creamy and airy texture.

Step-by-step preparation technique

1. Preparing the base: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Separate the two eggs, placing the egg whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you get a firm foam. Gradually add the flour mixed with baking powder, being careful to gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

2. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into a 24 cm diameter cake pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test. After baking, let it cool.

3. Preparing the cream: While the base cools, soak the gelatin according to the instructions on the package. In a pot, heat the sugar and milk, adding the vanilla sugar, until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove the pot from the heat and add the gelatin, mixing well.

4. The cheese cream: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the cream and a little sugar. Make a puree from 100 g of strawberries and add it to the cheese mixture. Then pour in the milk mixture with gelatin and mix well.

5. Incorporating the strawberries: Cut the remaining strawberries finely. When the cream starts to thicken, gently fold in half of the whipped cream and the chopped strawberries.

6. Assembling the cake: Place the cooled base on a platter. Spread the strawberry jam over it, then transfer the base into the cake mold lined with cling film. Pour the cheese cream over the base and level it. Leave the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours until the cream sets.

7. Serving: Once the cake has set, remove it from the refrigerator and decorate it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and red Tort Gelee for a spectacular effect.

Useful tips

- Use well-ripened strawberries for a more intense flavor. You can also add a few mint leaves for a touch of freshness.
- If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the cheese cream.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed after 1-2 days when the flavors have melded perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe is versatile! You can replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do to make it less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use sugar-free strawberry jam.

3. How can I make the cake gluten-free? Replace the flour with a gluten-free variant, such as almond flour or rice flour.

Delicious combinations

This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold lemonade or a fragrant fruit tea. You can also try it with a sweet white wine, which will enhance the delicate flavors of the strawberries.

I conclude with a personal note: this strawberry cheesecake was first made for a family anniversary, and the joy of savoring it together has remained etched in our memories. I hope it brings the same happiness to your home!

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!