Lemon Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake - A Delicious Reward for the Senses

Are you ready to fall in love with a dessert that perfectly combines the acidity of lemon with the creaminess of fine cheese? Today, I will guide you step by step to prepare an easy and refreshing lemon cheesecake, perfect for warm days. This recipe is not only simple but also a healthier choice, as I replaced sugar with a natural sweetener from Green Sugar. The result? A delicious cake with a taste just as good as the original!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 1 package of Petit Beurre biscuits (approximately 200 g)
- 1 package of butter (approximately 100 g) at room temperature

For the filling:
- 1 box of mascarpone (approximately 250 g)
- 1 box of ricotta (approximately 250 g)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons of Green Sugar sweetener

For the lemon glaze:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g Green Sugar
- 100 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of soft butter
- Zest of two lemons

The History of Cheesecake

Cheesecake has a fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. It was originally prepared by ancient civilizations and has evolved over the centuries, adapting to various cultures and available ingredients. Today, there are countless variations, and our recipe pays homage to this delicious tradition, adding a touch of freshness with the vibrant flavor of lemon.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Crust
- Start by crushing the Petit Beurre biscuits. You can do this using a blender or, for a relaxing moment, put the biscuits in a bag and crush them with the bottom of a glass.
- Once you have a fine mixture, add the soft butter and mix well, using your hands to integrate the butter into the biscuits. The crust should be moist and hold together easily when squeezed in your palm.
- Place the mixture in a springform pan, pressing down firmly to create an even base. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from leaking.

2. Preparing the Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the mascarpone, ricotta, and Green Sugar sweetener until you obtain a smooth cream.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This will add air to the filling and make the cheesecake fluffier.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula, mixing from the bottom up to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

3. Baking the Cheesecake
- Pour the filling over the biscuit crust and level the surface.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pan inside. Bake the cheesecake for 30-40 minutes, or until the surface turns slightly golden.
- Once baked, let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight.

4. Preparing the Lemon Glaze
- In a heatproof bowl, beat the eggs with the Green Sugar sweetener and lemon juice. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water (bain-marie), stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth cream.
- Gradually add the butter cut into cubes, continuing to stir to prevent lumps from forming. Finally, fold in the lemon zest.

5. Finishing the Cheesecake
- Pour the lemon glaze over the cooled cheesecake and smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
- Place the cheesecake back in the refrigerator to cool again, allowing the glaze time to set.

Practical Tips

- Biscuits: You can experiment with other types of biscuits, such as cocoa ones, for a more intense flavor.
- Sweetener: If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind the difference in sweetness.
- Serving: The lemon cheesecake pairs perfectly with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

This lemon cheesecake is a healthier choice due to the natural sweetener, having a lower calorie content compared to traditional recipes. Lemon provides a significant amount of vitamin C, and the cheeses used are excellent sources of protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why use Green Sugar sweetener?: It is a natural sugar substitute with a low glycemic impact, ideal for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake?: Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but make sure to cover it well to prevent excessive freezing.

Delicious Pairings

For a complete dessert, serve the cheesecake with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemon-based cocktail. Additionally, a fresh fruit salad can perfectly complement this cheesecake, adding a note of freshness.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a ray of sunshine into your kitchen! Prepare this lemon cheesecake and indulge in a dessert that will delight both your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Enjoy!