Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake: A Sweet Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Strawberry cheesecake is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy to any special occasion. This recipe combines the creaminess of cheese with the natural sweetness of strawberries, resulting in a dessert you won't forget anytime soon. Perfect for a family meal, a party, or simply to indulge your taste buds, strawberry cheesecake is a dessert that blends tradition and culinary innovation.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the cheesecake:
- 400 g Petit Beurre cookies
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g whipped cream (preferably Hulala)
- 1 box (250 g) of mascarpone
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (from Dr. Oetker)
- Zest of 1 lemon (preferably organic for an intense flavor)

Ingredients for the strawberry topping:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 100 g sugar

Step by step to a perfect cheesecake:
1. Preparing the cookie crust: Start by crushing the Petit Beurre cookies. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor, depending on what you have on hand. The goal is to achieve a fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs. This will form the base of the cheesecake.

2. Mixing with butter: In a small saucepan, melt the 100 g of butter over low heat. Once melted, pour the butter over the crushed cookies and mix well until the cookies are completely soaked. This moist mixture will form the base of the cheesecake.

3. Preparing the pan: Choose a springform pan (23 cm in diameter is ideal) and grease it with a little butter. Then, add the cookie mixture and press down firmly to create an even base. Make sure it is compact enough to hold up during baking.

4. Creating the cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 200 g of sugar until frothy. Add the vanilla sugar and lemon zest, mixing gently. In another bowl, whip the cream until firm. Add the mascarpone and mix gently until smooth.

5. Combining the ingredients: Fold the cheese mixture into the beaten eggs with sugar, mixing delicately to avoid losing air in the mixture. This will ensure a fluffy and creamy cheesecake.

6. Baking the cheesecake: Carefully pour the cheese filling over the cookie crust. Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the cheesecake for about 40 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the center is slightly firm. Once baked, allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours (ideally overnight).

7. Preparing the strawberry topping: Wash the strawberries well and cut them into quarters. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle the 100 g of sugar over them. Let them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices. Then, place the strawberries in a saucepan over low heat and cook until the sugar melts and a thick syrup forms.

8. Finishing the cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has completely cooled, pour the strawberry topping over it, spreading it evenly. The entire combination will create an irresistible dessert.

9. Serving: Cut the cheesecake into slices and serve it chilled. You can add a few fresh strawberries on top of each slice for an even more appealing look.

Helpful tips for a perfect cheesecake:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help with better homogenization of the mixture.
- Do not open the oven during baking, as rapid temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Experiment with different types of cookies for the cheesecake base; Oreo cookies or digestive biscuits can provide an interesting flavor.
- You can also try other fruits for the topping, such as raspberries or blueberries, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 6 g

Strawberry cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or indulge in a slice on weekend evenings, this strawberry cheesecake will surely bring smiles to the faces of those you care about.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I make the cheesecake lighter?
For a lighter version, you can replace the mascarpone with low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the amount of sugar.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them for the topping.

3. What drink pairs best with this cheesecake?
A sweet white wine or a cold fruit tea would go perfectly with the strawberry cheesecake.

This strawberry cheesecake is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of delicious flavors and unforgettable moments. So, don’t hesitate, put on your apron, and start your culinary adventure! Enjoy!