Baked Cheesecake with Cookie Crust

This delightful baked cheesecake recipe is a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The base of this cheesecake is crafted from buttery cookies, creating a sturdy and flavorful crust that beautifully holds the rich filling. The filling is a luscious mixture of fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and a hint of lemon to balance the sweetness. Topped with fresh strawberries and a homemade strawberry sauce, this cheesecake is both visually stunning and delectably tasty. It's ideal for special occasions or as a treat to impress guests. The preparation is straightforward, making it suitable for novice bakers as well. The cheesecake is best enjoyed the day after it's made, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. It's a dessert that marries tradition with a contemporary twist, ensuring everyone at the table has a memorable experience. This is not just a dessert; it's a creamy, delicious celebration in every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pack of butter
• 2 packs of "Selga" cookies
• 200 g of sweet cream
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 400 g of fresh cheese
• 300 g of sugar
• 1/2 a lemon

For Decoration

• Strawberry sauce and fresh strawberries

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cookie Crust: Crush the cookies finely in a bowl. Melt the butter in a small pan until it’s liquid.
2. Mix the melted butter with the crushed cookies thoroughly.
3. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your cake pan to form the crust. Set aside while preparing the filling.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with 150 g of sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the flour and the fresh cheese to the egg mixture and whisk again until well combined.
6. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and grate some of the lemon zest into the mixture for added flavor.
7. In a separate bowl, whip the sweet cream with the remaining 150 g of sugar until soft peaks form.
8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, ensuring not to over-mix and lose the airiness.
9. Pour the completed cheesecake filling over the prepared cookie crust in the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
10. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
11. Place the cheesecake in the oven and let it bake for about one hour, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is slightly set.
12. Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the pan.
13. Transfer the cooled cheesecake to the refrigerator to set further, preferably overnight for best results.
14. For the Strawberry Sauce: Blend fresh strawberries with sugar to taste until smooth, creating a delightful sauce.
15. When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator.
16. Decorate the top of the cheesecake with fresh strawberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern if desired.
17. Drizzle some of the strawberry sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
18. Optionally, serve additional strawberry sauce on the side for those who wish to add more.
19. Slice the cheesecake with a clean knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat servings.
20. Enjoy your baked cheesecake with cookie crust, savoring every bite of its creamy, buttery goodness.

Tips

• Substitution: If "Selga" cookies are unavailable, use any similar tea biscuit or digestive cookies.
• Creaminess: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
• Decorations: Consider adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful touch.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fats: 30 g
• Carbs: 40 g

Variations

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cookies for the base.
• Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture for additional flavor depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Enjoy alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine for a luxurious experience.

Best Places

• Magnolia Bakery - Known for its classic American desserts including cheesecakes. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
• Eileen's Special Cheesecake - Offers a wide variety of cheesecakes. Location: 17 Cleveland Place, New York, USA.
• The Cheesecake Factory - Famous for its extensive selection of cheesecakes. Location: 26950 Aguora Road, Calabasas Hills, USA.
• Café de la Paix - A historic café that serves delicious Parisian-style cheesecakes. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
• Läderach - A Swiss chocolatier offering gourmet cheesecakes. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 106, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Cheesecake & Co - Known for its rich cream texture cheesecakes. Location: Alte Schönhauser Str. 28, Berlin, Germany.
• Leopold's Ice Cream - Offers cheesecake with a delightful twist. Location: 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, USA.
• Uncle Tetsu's Cheesecake - Famous for its light and fluffy cheesecakes. Location: 5291 Yonge St, North York, Canada.
• Gion Kinana - Combines traditional Japanese flavors in its cheesecakes. Location: 570-119 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto, Japan.
• Antico Forno Roscioli - Italian bakery with delightful cheesecakes. Location: Via dei Chiavari, 34, Rome, Italy.