Cheesecake with strawberries
Cheesecake with Strawberries – an elegant and refreshing dessert
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8
The history of cheesecake is fascinating and complex, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This type of cake combines the creamy texture of cheese with the sweetness of fresh fruits, making it ideal for any occasion. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious cheesecake with strawberries that will surely impress anyone who tastes it.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons powdered sweetener (you can use stevia or erythritol)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 250 g fresh cheese 0.2% fat
- 250 g sweet cheese with cream (from farmers or high quality)
- 100 g melted butter (let it cool)
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the filling and decoration:
- 200 g whipping cream
- 100 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
Step by step: Preparing the cake
1. Preparing the base
We start by preparing the base. In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs together with the powdered sweetener. Use a mixer on high speed until the mixture becomes a thick foam and changes color to a light yellow. This is a crucial step, as aerating the eggs will give the base a light and fluffy texture.
Once the eggs are ready, reduce the mixer speed and add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and gradually one tablespoon of cheese and melted butter. Make sure to mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
In another bowl, combine the flour, semolina, and baking powder. These dry ingredients will add structure to the cake. Slowly incorporate the mixture of dry ingredients into the wet one, using a whisk or spatula. Mix until there are no lumps, but be careful not to overmix.
2. Baking the base
Pour the obtained mixture into a round silicone mold (or lined with baking paper). Place the mold in the preheated oven at 160°C and bake for 40 minutes. During baking, the base will rise and become golden. After the time is up, let the base cool in the oven with the door ajar for 10-15 minutes to avoid cracking.
3. Preparing the filling
While the base cools, we can prepare the filling. In a bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sweetener until you achieve a firm whipped cream. Then, add the mascarpone and gently mix with a spatula until everything is well incorporated. This combination of cream and mascarpone will provide a creamy texture and delicious taste.
4. Preparing the strawberries
Meanwhile, wash the strawberries, let them drain, then cut off the stems. It is recommended to choose strawberries of approximately the same size so they look uniform on the cake. If desired, you can cut some strawberries in half or quarters for a more attractive appearance.
5. Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, remove it from the mold and place it on a platter. Using a piping bag or spatula, decorate the base with a generous layer of whipped cream. Arrange the strawberries beautifully on top of the cream. Finally, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of honey over the strawberries for added sweetness and shine.
Serving and variations
This cheesecake with strawberries is served immediately, but it can also be refrigerated for a few hours to intensify the flavors. It can be accompanied by a glass of sweet white wine or fresh lemonade to highlight the sweetness of the strawberries.
Practical tips
1. Sweetener: You can adjust the amount of sweetener according to personal preferences. If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount.
2. Cheeses: Choose high-quality cheeses for a better taste. Fresh cheese can be replaced with ricotta if you prefer.
3. Fruits: While strawberries are an excellent choice, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries.
Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Fresh cheese provides protein and calcium, while strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. By using a natural sweetener, you can reduce calories, making this dessert a healthier choice.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of fresh cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well drained to avoid excess water in the mixture.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You may notice a slight separation of the whipped cream, but the taste will remain just as good.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
The cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the strawberry and cream decoration. Freeze the base and filling separately, then assemble after thawing.
I hope this cheesecake recipe with strawberries has inspired you to try it. It is a dessert that brings joy and indulgence at any time of the day. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 4 eggs, 3 tablespoons powdered sweetener, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, zest from 1 lemon, 250g fresh cheese 0.2% fat from Delaco, 250g sweet cheese with cream (from farmers), 100g butter, 3 tablespoons semolina, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder. Filling and decoration: 200g whipping cream, 100g mascarpone, 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener, 500g fresh strawberries, 1-2 tablespoons honey.