Cheesecake with strawberries and raspberries

Cheesecake with strawberries and raspberries is a refined dessert, perfect for special occasions or to add a touch of sweetness to everyday life. This easy-to-make cheesecake combines the creaminess of cheese with the freshness of berries, providing an unforgettable taste experience. In the following lines, I will guide you step by step in making this delicacy, also offering you some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/3 cup ground almonds or crushed cookies (I recommend almonds for a healthier taste)
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 90 g butter, cut into cubes, at room temperature

For the filling:
- 330 g Philadelphia cheese
- 500 g fresh ricotta cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (not cornmeal)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water

For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries and raspberries (you can also use compote from these fruits or other berries)

Making the cheesecake

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. This step is essential for achieving an even baking of the cheesecake.

Step 2: Prepare the crust
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds (or cookies) with the flour, sugar, and butter cubes. Use your fingers to rub the butter together with the dry ingredients until you obtain a crumbly texture. This is when the aroma of the almonds will start to be released, bringing an irresistible scent to the kitchen.

Step 3: Line the baking pan
Line a round baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper is smooth and without wrinkles. This step will help in easily removing the cheesecake after baking. Add the crust mixture to the pan and gently press it down with your fingers, then level the surface with the back of a spoon. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden.

Step 4: Prepare the filling
In a bowl or food processor, combine the Philadelphia cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well until you obtain a smooth composition. In another container, combine the cornstarch with water until it is homogeneous, then add this mixture to the cheese composition. Continue mixing until you obtain a smooth cream.

Step 5: Bake the filling
Grease the edges of the pan where you baked the crust with a little butter, without removing the crust from the pan. Pour the cheese filling into the pan, making sure to level it with the back of a spoon to avoid air bubbles. Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour. After the time is up, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for another hour. This step allows the cheesecake to stabilize and achieve a perfect texture.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
After cooling, let the cheesecake cool completely in the refrigerator for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This will intensify the flavors and improve the texture. Serve the cheesecake with fresh strawberries and raspberries, which not only add a color contrast but also a fresh and sweet-tart taste.

Practical tips
- Quality ingredients: Use fresh ricotta cheese and good quality Philadelphia cheese, which will make a difference in the texture and final taste of the cheesecake.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).
- Seasonal fruits: You can experiment with various berries or even peaches and apricots, depending on the season, to bring a new note to your cheesecake.
- Serving: The cheesecake can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious temperature contrast.

Nutritional benefits
The cheesecake with strawberries and raspberries is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Ricotta cheese is an excellent source of protein, while strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to maintaining a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace almonds with something else? Yes, you can use crushed cookies or even pecans.
- How long does the cheesecake keep in the refrigerator? The cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered with plastic wrap.
- Is it possible to freeze the cheesecake? You can freeze the cheesecake, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing for easier thawing.

Personal story
This cheesecake with cheese and fruits has become a favorite in my family every time we have a special occasion. I have sweet memories of birthday parties, where each slice was savored with smiles. I invite you to bring this recipe into your home and create your own delicious memories with your loved ones.

In conclusion, this cheesecake with strawberries and raspberries is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth. I encourage you to try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: - 1/3 cup ground almonds or crushed biscuits (ground); I used ground almonds, it's healthier. - 3/4 cup flour; - 1/4 cup sugar; - 90g butter cut into cubes. Filling: - 330g Philadelphia cheese; - 500g fresh ricotta cheese; - 4 eggs; - 1 1/3 cup sugar; - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; - 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest; - 1/4 cup lemon juice; - 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (not cornmeal); - 1 1/2 tablespoons water; Strawberries and raspberries for decoration. You can also use compote from these fruits or other berries.