Berry cheesecake

Berry cheesecake is a delicacy that will steal your heart and, especially, your taste buds. With a crunchy layer of cookies and a creamy cheese filling, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive meal or a quick dessert at the end of a long day. Here's how to prepare this delicious cheesecake, step by step, and impress all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 400 g plain cookies
- 150 g butter

For the filling:
- 700 g cottage cheese (preferably with a fat content of 5-9%)
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 150 g sour cream (20% fat)
- 6 eggs
- 160 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder

For the topping:
- 500 g berries (fresh or frozen)
- 150-200 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 packet of red Tort Gelee from Dr. Oetker

Ingredient tips

1. Cookies: You can use plain cookies, but also cocoa or butter cookies for a more intense flavor. Make sure they are crushed evenly to achieve a compact crust.
2. Cottage cheese: Choose fresh cheese without preservatives for a creamier texture. If you prefer a richer taste, you can also add a pack of mascarpone cheese.
3. Fruits: Berries add a note of freshness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake. You can use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a colorful and delicious combination.

Step by step

1. Preparing the crust
Start by crushing the cookies in a food processor or using a classic method by placing them in a bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Once you have a fine powder, melt the butter in a bain-marie or microwave. Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until the mixture has a texture similar to damp sand.

2. Forming the crust
Take a springform pan (about 23 cm in diameter) and lightly grease it. Distribute the cookie mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan, pressing down well with a spatula or the bottom of a glass. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until frothy, gradually adding the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm foam. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, vanilla sugar, and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla pudding powder and mix well.

4. Combining the mixtures
Gently fold the egg white foam into the cheese mixture, being careful to retain the air in the egg whites. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cheesecake.

5. Baking the cheesecake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Carefully pour the cheese mixture over the cookie crust in the refrigerator. Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned, and the center feels firm but is not completely solid. Once done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour. This step helps prevent cracking.

6. Preparing the topping
In a saucepan, place the frozen berries along with the sugar and let them simmer over medium heat. Once they start to boil, add the Tort Gelee packet and mix well. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

7. Final assembly
After the cheesecake has completely cooled, pour the berry mixture on top, covering the entire surface evenly. You can decorate with a few fresh berries for an even more appealing look.

8. Final cooling
Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and set.

Serving suggestions
Serve the cheesecake with chocolate sauce or freshly whipped cream for an added touch of refinement. A cup of green tea or a flavored coffee perfectly complements the culinary experience.

Possible variations
- Chocolate cheesecake: Add 100 g of melted dark chocolate to the cheese mixture for a decadent flavor.
- Lemon cheesecake: Replace the vanilla sugar with grated lemon zest and juice from one lemon for a fresh note.
- No-bake cheesecake: You can skip the baking step and use gelatin to set the filling. This will significantly reduce the preparation time.

Nutritional benefits
Berry cheesecake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, while cottage cheese provides essential proteins and calcium.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes, cream cheese or mascarpone is an excellent choice that will provide a richer texture.

2. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
- Make sure the cheesecake cools gradually in the oven and do not open the oven door during baking.

3. How far in advance can I make the cheesecake?
- The cheesecake can be made 1-2 days before serving, making it ideal for events.

This berry cheesecake recipe will surely become your and your loved ones' favorite. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors!

 Ingredients: 400 g plain biscuits, 150 g butter, 700 g cottage cheese, 4 packets of vanilla sugar, 150 g sour cream (20% fat), 6 eggs, 160 g powdered sugar, one packet of vanilla pudding powder, 500 g mixed berries, 150-200 g sugar, one packet of red cake jelly from Dr. Oetker

 Tags:  berry cheesecake