Cheesecake with chocolate and strawberries

Cheesecake with chocolate and strawberries - a delicacy that combines creamy flavors with the juicy sweetness of strawberries and chocolate. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from festive meals to family weekend evenings. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the biscuit base:
- 400 g biscuits (preferably digestive or cocoa biscuits)
- 200 g butter

For the cheese filling:
- 800 g cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained and without water)
- 1 packet vanilla pudding powder
- 6 eggs (separate the egg whites from the yolks)
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For the chocolate filling:
- 1/2 packet chocolate pudding powder

For the chocolate glaze:
- 200 g chocolate (you can choose milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml milk

For decoration:
- Strawberries (fresh or thawed, according to preference)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the biscuit base
1. Start by crushing the biscuits. You can use a food processor or put them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, being careful not to burn it.
3. Once the butter is completely melted, mix it with the crushed biscuits until you get a homogeneous mixture.
4. Line a baking tray (ideally 30x40 cm) with parchment paper and evenly sprinkle the biscuit mixture in the tray. Press down well with a spatula or the bottom of a glass to form a compact base.
5. Place the tray in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to harden.

Step 2: Preparing the cheese filling
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 6 tablespoons of sugar until you get a firm and glossy foam. This step is essential to give the cake a light and airy texture.
2. In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the vanilla pudding powder, the two packets of vanilla sugar, and the egg yolks. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
3. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into this cheese mixture using a spatula and mixing gently to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Pour three-quarters of the cheese mixture over the biscuit base, distributing it evenly.
2. Add the remaining cheese mixture to a separate bowl and mix it with 1/2 packet of chocolate pudding powder. This addition will give a pleasant contrast of flavor and color.
3. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cheese mixture and use a knife or fork to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled pattern.
4. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned on top and the edges pull away from the tray.

Step 4: Preparing the chocolate glaze
1. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate together with the butter over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
2. When the chocolate is completely melted, add the milk and mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous glaze. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.

Step 5: Finishing the cake
1. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray after removing it from the oven.
2. Once cooled, arrange the strawberries (thawed or fresh) evenly over the cake.
3. Pour the chocolate glaze over the strawberries, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Let the cake cool in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting, to allow the glaze to set.

Useful tips
- Use fresh and well-drained cottage cheese to avoid a watery filling.
- You can also add a little vanilla extract to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
- If you want to experiment, you can replace the strawberries with other fruits, such as raspberries or peaches.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge, so it’s ideal to make it in advance.

Nutritional benefits
This cheesecake with chocolate and strawberries is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, while strawberries are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. However, given the amount of sugar and butter, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use gluten-free biscuits?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits to make this cake compatible with special diets.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
It is recommended to keep it in the fridge, but you can freeze individual portions. Make sure it is well covered to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Serving suggestions
This cake pairs perfectly with a serving of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A fragrant tea or coffee can perfectly complement the culinary experience.

The cheesecake with chocolate and strawberries is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with flavors and textures that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 400 g biscuits, 200 g butter, 800 g cottage cheese, 1 packet vanilla pudding powder, half a packet chocolate pudding powder, 6 eggs, 12 tablespoons sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 200 g chocolate, 50 g butter, 50 ml milk