Cheesecake with plums and meringue

Plum and Meringue Cheesecake - An Irresistible Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Discover a recipe for plum and meringue cheesecake that combines the creamy texture of cheese with the sweetness of baked fruit and the crunchiness of meringue. This recipe is not just a simple cake; it is a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to every meal. The plum cheesecake is perfect for serving on special occasions or simply as a delicious dessert after dinner.

Ingredients needed

For the crust:
- 100 g crushed biscuits (preferably digestive biscuits)
- 70 g melted butter

For the filling:
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 g ricotta (or fine cottage cheese)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon (or orange for a more exotic flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon bourbon sugar (for a more intense flavor)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons sugar

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the crust
Start by crushing the biscuits in a food processor or wrapped in a clean towel and crushed with a rolling pin. The biscuits should become a fine powder. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter in a bowl. Use a spoon to press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of a baking dish lined with parchment paper or greased, ensuring the layer is even. Place the dish in the fridge for about 15 minutes so that the crust can set.

2. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta with the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla pudding, baking powder, and 20 g of butter. It is essential that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. Add the sour cream and grated lemon (or orange) zest and mix well until you have a homogeneous mass. Finally, add the ground cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.

3. Assembling the cheesecake
Carefully pour the cheese mixture over the biscuit base in the dish. Arrange the slices of plums on top of the filling, placing them nicely for an attractive look. It is recommended to use well-ripened plums, which add a delicious taste and pleasant texture to the cheesecake.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cheesecake dish in a larger dish filled with hot water (bain-marie). This trick will prevent the crust from burning and help with even baking. Bake the cheesecake for 60 minutes. When the time is up, the cheesecake should be firm at the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

5. Preparing the meringue
While the cheesecake is baking, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the 3 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue. This will add a contrasting texture and a sweet flavor to your cake.

6. Finishing and cooling
After the cheesecake has baked for 35 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue on top. Continue baking for another 25 minutes or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy. Once the time is up, let the cheesecake cool in the dish for 5 minutes, then remove it from the dish and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Serving
Once completely cooled, the cheesecake can be cut into servings and served. It is delicious both plain and with a fruit sauce or a dollop of sour cream. You can garnish with a few slices of fresh plums or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch.

Helpful tips
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for a creamier filling.
- You can replace plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a less sweet crust, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the biscuits.

Nutritional benefits
This plum cheesecake is an excellent source of calcium thanks to the ricotta, as well as vitamins from the fruit. Plums are rich in antioxidants and contribute to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.
- How can I store the cheesecake?
It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

Serving suggestions
This plum and meringue cheesecake pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or a cup of fragrant tea. You can also try serving it with vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast of temperatures and textures.

Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of this delicious plum and meringue cheesecake! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 100 g crushed biscuits, 70 g melted butter, a few plums, 3 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 250 g ricotta, 1 packet vanilla pudding, 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, zest of one lemon or orange, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon bourbon sugar. For the meringue: 3 egg whites, 3 tablespoons sugar.