Cherry cheesecake

Cherry Cheesecake – A pure delicacy that combines creamy texture with the freshness of seasonal fruits. This recipe is ideal for adding a touch of sweetness to any meal, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself and your loved ones. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires no baking, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a quick dessert.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 5 hours in the fridge)
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the cookie base:
- 200 g cookies (choose plain cookies, such as Digestive or Petit Beurre)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa or Nesquik (for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g butter (melted)

For the cream cheese:
- 250 ml heavy cream (make sure it is well chilled)
- 250 ml cream with 15% fat
- 250 g cream cheese (choose a creamy, low-fat option if desired)
- 200 ml cold milk
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding (usually 40 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a little grated lemon peel
- 10 g gelatin (about 1 packet)
- A handful of fresh or canned cherries (about 200 g)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cookie base:
Start by crushing the cookies in a food processor or in plastic bags using a rolling pin. The cookies should turn into a fine powder. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa or Nesquik for a more intense flavor. Pour the crushed cookies into a bowl and add the melted butter. Mix well until the mixture becomes moist and binds together.

2. Forming the base:
Take a cheesecake pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and grease it with a little butter to facilitate the removal of the dessert. Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of the pan, leveling it with a spoon or spatula. Place the pan in the fridge to set while you prepare the cream.

3. Preparing the cream cheese:
In a large bowl, mix the vanilla pudding with the cold milk until it thickens. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, gently mixing to combine the ingredients. It is important not to mix too vigorously to maintain the fluffy texture of the cream.

4. Whipping the cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with 100 g of sugar until you get stiff peaks. Then, carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula and gentle bottom-to-top motions to keep the air in the mixture.

5. Preparing the gelatin:
Hydrate the gelatin in 4-5 tablespoons of cold water for about 4 minutes. Then, dissolve the gelatin in a bowl of hot water, stirring constantly until completely melted. Let it cool slightly, then add the gelatin to the cream cheese, mixing well.

6. Adding the cherries:
If using fresh cherries, wash them, remove the pits, and if desired, sprinkle a little sugar over them to enhance their flavor. Add the cherries to the cream cheese and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

7. Assembling the cheesecake:
Remove the pan from the fridge and pour the cream cheese over the cookie layer. Level the surface with a spatula and return to the fridge for at least 5 hours, but ideally let the cheesecake sit overnight.

8. Serving:
Once the cheesecake has set, carefully remove it from the pan. If desired, you can create an appealing visual effect by inverting the cheesecake so that the cookie base is on top. Serve with a cherry sauce or melted chocolate for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation for a uniform texture.
- This cheesecake can be customized with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural substitute like honey or agave syrup.

Nutritional benefits:
This cherry cheesecake is a good source of calcium and vitamins, thanks to the cream and cream cheese. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, while the cookies provide carbohydrates for energy. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cookie for the base? Yes, Oreo cookies or chocolate cookies can provide a different and interesting flavor.
- How can I make the cheesecake without gelatin? You can try using a gelatin substitute based on agar-agar, but you will need to follow the usage instructions specified on the package.
- Can the cheesecake be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to let it thaw in the fridge completely before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

Surely, this cherry cheesecake will become a favorite among your loved ones, bringing a touch of freshness and delicacy to every meal. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or variations, and share the results with friends and family. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 g crushed biscuits, 2 tablespoons Nesquik, 100 g butter, 250 ml whipped cream, 250 ml 15% cream, 250 g 9% cream cheese, 200 ml cold milk, 1 packet vanilla pudding, 100 g sugar, 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice and a bit of grated lemon peel, one packet of gelatin (here one packet has 14 g, I used only 10 g), a handful of cherries or as desired ;)

 Tags:  cream cheese cherries.cookies