Cheesecake is an exquisite dessert dish that has won the hearts of foodies around the world. Its delicate texture, rich flavor and possibilities for culinary creativity have made cheesecake a popular choice for various events and occasions. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making a classic cheesecake and share ideas for experimenting with ingredients and decoration.
Ingredients:
- 200 g shortbread cookies
- 100 g butter
- 600 g cream cheese (e.g. Philadelphia)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 ml of cream 33%
- Juice of half a lemon
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the base
- Crumble the cookies into crumbs using a blender or wrap in a baggie and crush.
- Melt the butter and mix it with the cookies, creating a smooth mixture.
- Place the resulting mass in a 22-24 cm diameter baking dish and compact evenly, creating a cheesecake base. Place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth in texture.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating each thoroughly until fully combined.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, continuing to whisk the mixture.
- Gradually pour in the cream and continue beating until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the cheesecake
- Remove the mold with the base from the refrigerator and carefully pour the prepared filling over the cookies.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 1-2 hours to gradually cool.
Step 4: Decorating and serving
- Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the mold and transfer it to a plate to serve.
- If you wish, garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries, chocolate chips, almond chips, or prepare caramel sauce for an extra flavor accent.
Experiments & Variations:
- Fruit Additions: Add berries, mango, kiwi or other fruit to the filling before baking.
- Chocolate and Caramel Delight: Add chocolate shavings or chunks and caramel drops to the filling for intense flavor.
- Layers & Textures: Create multiple layers with different fillings to play with texture and flavors.
- Cheese and fruit patterns: Give your cheesecake a unique look by layering berries or fruit on top of the filling in an ornamental style.
Conclusion:
Cooking cheesecake is a process that combines precision and creativity. Following this master class, you will be able to create a delicious dessert that will delight you and your loved ones with its flavor and elegance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients and decoration to add your unique note to this culinary masterpiece.