Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake – A refined dessert, full of flavor and joy

Do you dream of a dessert that delights your taste buds and brings a smile to the faces of your loved ones? Then strawberry cheesecake is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the creamy texture of mascarpone cheese with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of strawberries, achieving a perfect balance between sweet and tart in every slice. Plus, it's an easy-to-make dessert, ideal for any special occasion or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day.

The total preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooling time of at least 4 hours. This recipe is enough for 8 delicious servings.

Ingredients:
- 500 g mascarpone cheese
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 140 g Petit Beurre cookies
- 75 g butter
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (optional, for a firmer texture)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the crust:
We start by preparing the cheesecake crust. We crush the Petit Beurre cookies in a food processor or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin until we obtain a fine powder. This will be the delicious base of our dessert.

In a small saucepan, we melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, we add the crushed cookies and mix well until the mixture is homogeneous.

We transfer this mixture to a springform pan and press it firmly onto the bottom of the pan, leveling it with a spatula. If you prefer a crunchier crust, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes. If you like a softer texture, you can skip this step. After baking, let the crust cool completely.

2. Preparing the mascarpone cream:
In a large bowl, we add the mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, we beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Separately, we whip the heavy cream until it becomes fluffy. It is important not to overbeat it, or it will turn into butter. We add the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture and gently fold it in with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to retain the air in the cream.

3. Preparing the strawberries:
We wash the strawberries and cut them in half. We divide the strawberries into two parts: one half we keep fresh in the refrigerator, and the other half we mix with a bit of sugar and heat them, letting them simmer for 5-7 minutes until a syrup forms. We let the mixture cool.

4. Assembling the cheesecake:
Over the cooled crust, we pour the previously prepared strawberry syrup, spreading it evenly. Then, we add the mascarpone cream, leveling it well with a spatula to achieve a smooth surface. On top, we place the fresh strawberries we kept.

5. Finishing:
To make a strawberry jelly, we place the remaining syrup from the strawberries in a saucepan, add the gelatin according to the package instructions, and mix well. We pour this jelly in a thin stream over the strawberries, ensuring they are evenly covered.

We cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set well.

6. Serving:
Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, we carefully remove the springform ring and cut it into generous slices. I recommend serving it with a glass of sweet white wine or a fruit tea, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dessert.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different berries or other types of jams to vary the flavors of the cheesecake.
- If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the mascarpone cream.
- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in calcium and protein due to the mascarpone cheese and cream. Strawberries add vitamins and antioxidants, making this cheesecake not only delicious but also beneficial for health, especially in the cold season.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Answer: Yes, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese, but the texture and taste of the cheesecake will be different.

2. How can I make the cheesecake with seasonal fruits?
Answer: Replace the strawberries with your favorite fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, to create a unique version.

With this strawberry cheesecake recipe, I assure you that you will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen. Each slice is an explosion of flavors and an invitation to indulge. So put on your apron and enjoy every step of the cooking process!