Siera Kūkā Burciņā

This delicious dessert offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake by presenting it in a charming jar. Each layer provides a burst of flavors, from the buttery biscuit base to the creamy cheese layer topped with a tangy cranberry jelly. With a smooth texture and sweet yet slightly tart taste, it's a treat that is sure to impress your guests. The convenient jar presentation makes it perfect for picnics, dinner parties, or a unique gift. The preparation may take a little longer, but it's definitely worth it when you see the joy on everyone’s faces. Furthermore, this dessert is very versatile and allows for some creative alterations to cater to specific tastes or diets. Whether you savor it as a special treat or share it with friends during a gathering, this dessert is a little piece of joy in a jar. The following guide will walk you through the process of creating this elegant treat at home. Enjoy the sweet adventure!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 packs of Selgas biscuits
200 g butter
400 ml whipping cream
300 g fresh cheese
1 cup sugar
30 g gelatin
150 ml cranberry jam

Preparation Time

Total Time: 200 minutes

Preparation: 30 minutes
Cooking/Chilling: 170 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by finely crushing the Selgas biscuits. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and then combine it with the crushed biscuits until you achieve a smooth mixture.
Distribute this biscuit mixture evenly into the bottom of your chosen jars, pressing down gently to form a firm base. Place the jars in the refrigerator to chill and set for approximately 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the gelatin by soaking it in 100 ml of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
Whip the cream until you have soft peaks. Gradually add sugar to taste and continue to whip until fully incorporated.
Fold the whipped cream carefully into the fresh cheese to create a creamy mixture.
Dissolve the gelatin completely by placing it in a hot water bath. Stir until you achieve a clear, liquid consistency.
Slowly add the dissolved gelatin to the cream and cheese mixture, mixing well to combine. Whisk the mixture lightly to maintain a smooth texture.
Pour the cheese mixture over the chilled biscuit bases in the jars. Smooth out the tops with a spatula.
Return the jars to the refrigerator for about 1.5 hours to allow the cheese layer to set properly.
While the cheese layer is setting, prepare the cranberry jelly layer. Use gelatin instead of potato starch for a smooth consistency.
After the cheese layer has set, carefully pour a thin layer of cranberry jelly into each jar.
Place the jars back into the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set the jelly layer.
Once the jelly is firm, your beautiful and scrumptious siera kūkā burciņā is ready to serve.
For optimal flavor, serve chilled.

Tips

Substitutions: If Selgas biscuits are unavailable, use digestive biscuits or graham crackers.
Texture: Ensure the cream is whipped to soft peaks for a smooth texture.
Flavor Variation: Add lemon zest or vanilla extract to the cheese mixture for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Protein: 5 g
Fats: 30 g
Carbs: 35 g

Variations

Substitute cranberry jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for a different fruit flavor.
Opt for low-fat cheese and cream for a lighter version.
Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for a colorful presentation.
Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Best Places

Café Sitz - Known for its picturesque setting and gourmet desserts. Location: Schottengasse 6, Vienna, Austria.
Le Meurice - Experience classic French sweets here. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Cafe Savoy - A historic café that serves delectable pastries. Location: Vítězná 124/5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Keki Modern Cakes - Unique and innovative takes on traditional desserts. Location: Hibiya 1-1-1, Tokyo, Japan.
The Drake Cake - Famous for its artisanal cheesecake selection. Location: 1150 Queen St W, Toronto, Canada.
Caffè Florian - Offers elegant desserts in Grand Canal's vicinity. Location: Piazza San Marco 57, Venice, Italy.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Renowned for its creative confections. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, USA.
Pastelería Escribà - Delights with traditional and avant-garde sweets. Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 546, Barcelona, Spain.
Vive Cake Boutique - Stylish dessert café popular in Hong Kong. Location: 7/F, 11-19 Leighton Rd, Hong Kong, China.
Confeitaria Colombo - A piece of Rio's culinary history, specializing in pastries. Location: Rua Gonçalves Dias 32, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.