Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake – An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn’t love a creamy cheesecake with delicate flavors and an attractive presentation? In our family, strawberry cheesecake is a true favorite, often requested for special occasions or simply to indulge ourselves. This recipe was discovered a few years ago, and the adjustments we've made over time have transformed it into a culinary masterpiece. I invite you to try it and share the joy of this dessert!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Cooling time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 10

Ingredients needed:

*For the biscuit crust:*
- 200 g digestive biscuits (or cocoa biscuits if you prefer a more intense flavor)
- 100 g melted butter

*For the white cream:*
- 250 g mascarpone
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 100 g soft cheese (I recommend Goldessa or Almette)
- 10 g gelatin
- 100 g sugar
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*For the strawberry cream:*
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 150 g soft cheese (Goldessa or Almette)
- 100 g sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g strawberries

*For the strawberry jelly:*
- 200 g strawberries
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 10 g gelatin

*For decoration:*
- Grated white chocolate (about 2 bars)

Step by step for a perfect cheesecake:

1. Preparing the biscuit crust:
Start by crushing the digestive biscuits in a blender. They should become a fine powder, similar to wet sand. Gradually add the melted butter, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous mixture that can be shaped. It’s important to add the butter gradually to control the consistency.

2. Forming the base:
Line a round cake pan with a diameter of 20 cm with cling film to make it easier to remove the cheesecake. Place the biscuit mixture in the pan and press it evenly with a spoon. Leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

3. Preparing the first cream:
In a bowl, mix the mascarpone, soft cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm, then gently fold it into the cheese mixture.

4. Adding the gelatin:
Soak the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water. Then, melt it over a double boiler and add it to the cheese cream, mixing well to incorporate evenly. Pour this mixture over the biscuit crust and level it with a spatula. The remaining strawberries can be added now – either whole or sliced, according to your preference.

5. Preparing the second cream:
Repeat the process for the strawberry cream. In a bowl, mix the soft cheese with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the whipped liquid cream and the blended strawberries. Mix well, then add the prepared gelatin and pour the mixture over the set first cream.

6. Preparing the strawberry jelly:
In a small saucepan, place the strawberries with the sugar over medium heat and let them simmer for a few minutes until softened. Once cooled, blend them until you obtain a smooth puree. Add the gelatin and mix well, then pour the mixture over the strawberry cream.

7. Final cooling:
Cover the cheesecake with cling film and let it chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This step is essential to allow the gelatin to set properly and achieve a perfect texture.

Decorating the cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake has set, you can decorate it with grated white chocolate on top for an elegant look and a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Variations and helpful tips:
- You can play with flavors by adding a little lemon or orange juice to the cheese cream.
- If you prefer, you can skip the strawberry jelly and simply use fresh strawberries as decoration.
- Gelatin can be replaced with agar-agar for a vegetarian version.
- This cheesecake pairs perfectly with warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional information:
One serving of cheesecake contains approximately 350 calories, being rich in protein due to the cheese and mascarpone. Strawberries provide vitamins and antioxidants, while the butter and biscuits offer a source of healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will vary.
- How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking on the surface? Make sure not to overmix the cream and pour it gently into the pan.
- Is it possible to freeze the cheesecake? Yes, but it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh to savor the best flavors.

This strawberry cheesecake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a perfect choice to impress your guests. Whether you serve it at a party or simply as a personal treat, each slice brings a touch of joy and satisfaction. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to impress!