Ultra Quick Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Raspberries

Ultra Quick Cheesecake with Lemon Curd and Raspberries

If you're looking for a dessert that impresses with simplicity and flavor, the ultra quick cheesecake with lemon curd and raspberries is the perfect choice. This dessert not only comes together quickly but also offers a delicious combination of flavors that will delight your senses. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe is ideal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours (ideal)
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 8 ginger cookies
- 50 grams hazelnuts
- 50 grams butter
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 300 ml crème fraîche or mascarpone
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 4 tablespoons lemon curd
- 125 grams fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration
- Dark chocolate shavings for decoration

A brief story about cheesecake

Cheesecake has a fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. Over the centuries, recipes have evolved, but the concept of combining creamy cheese with a crunchy crust has remained. This ultra quick cheesecake recipe draws inspiration from the classic tradition but adds a modern twist with lemon curd and raspberries, making it perfect for warm days or moments of indulgence.

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the crust
1. Start by toasting the hazelnuts. Place them in a pan, without oil, over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!
2. Once toasted, transfer the hazelnuts to a mortar and crush them until they are ground but not too fine – we want to keep some texture.
3. Add the melted butter and lemon juice to the crushed hazelnuts. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
4. In another bowl, crumble the ginger cookies. Add them to the hazelnut and butter mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Assembling the cheesecake
5. Divide the crust mixture into 4 serving glasses. Press down well to form an even base.
6. In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche or mascarpone with the powdered sugar and vanilla paste. Use a whisk or electric mixer to achieve a creamy and airy texture.
7. Now it's time to assemble the cheesecake. In each glass, add a tablespoon of lemon curd over the crust.
8. Then, add a layer of crème fraîche or mascarpone, followed by a layer of fresh raspberries. Repeat this process to create layers, finishing with a layer of crème fraîche.

Step 3: Decorating and chilling
9. Decorate each glass with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and a few dark chocolate shavings for an elegant look.
10. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up.

Practical tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh hazelnuts and a good-quality crème fraîche or mascarpone for a more intense flavor.
- Fruit variations: You can experiment with other berries, such as blueberries or blackberries, to change the flavor profile of the dessert.
- Lemon curd: If you don't have ready-made lemon curd, you can make it at home from lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. It's a simple process, and the result is delicious.
- For a more intense flavor: Add a bit of lemon zest to the mascarpone for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of cookies?
Yes, you can replace the ginger cookies with digestive biscuits or any other type of neutral-flavored cookies you like.

- How can I make this cheesecake vegan?
You can use a plant-based butter substitute, such as margarine, and a vegan yogurt or coconut cream instead of mascarpone.

- Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, this cheesecake keeps in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure it is well covered to prevent absorbing odors from the fridge.

Nutritional benefits:
This dessert is rich in antioxidants due to the raspberries, and hazelnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Additionally, crème fraîche and mascarpone add creaminess and a calcium boost.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cheesecake with a cup of green tea or a light white wine, which will perfectly complement the dessert's flavors. This dessert is also ideal for parties, adding a touch of refinement to your table.

Conclusion
This ultra quick cheesecake with lemon curd and raspberries is not only an easy dessert to make but also a true explosion of flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it will bring a smile to your face and leave an unforgettable impression. Try it and enjoy every bite!