Strawberry Cream Cheese Delight

Strawberry Cream Cheese Delight is a refreshing and decadent dessert that combines layers of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. The base is made of crushed cookies mixed with melted butter, creating a firm foundation that complements the smooth texture of the cream cheese filling. This dessert is accentuated by fresh strawberries that enhance its taste with a burst of natural sweetness. The combination of vanilla-infused cream cheese, gelatin, and strawberries creates a luxurious consistency that delights the palate. Chilled to perfection, the layers set beautifully, ready to unveil a visually appealing treat. It's a perfect dish for special occasions or a simple indulgence to end a perfect meal. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it irresistible. Whether you are hosting a party or treating yourself, this dessert promises satisfaction. Its preparation involves easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible even to novice cooks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400g cookies
• 140g unsalted butter
• 600g fresh strawberries
• 600g cream cheese
• 500ml heavy cream
• 150g powdered sugar
• 30g gelatin
• 100ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar

For Strawberry Topping

• 200ml water
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 400 minutes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 380 minutes (Chilling time included)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by crushing 400g of cookies into fine crumbs.
2. Melt 140g of unsalted butter and mix it thoroughly with the crushed cookies to form a cohesive mixture.
3. Press the butter-cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of a cake pan, ensuring a flat and compact base layer.
4. Refrigerate the cookie base for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
5. Slice 300g of strawberries in half and arrange them along the edges of the cake pan to create a border.
6. In a blender, combine 600g of cream cheese, 500ml of heavy cream, 150g of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla sugar until smooth.
7. In a small bowl, blend 20g of gelatin with 100ml of water until dissolved.
8. Gently warm 100ml of milk and incorporate the gelatin mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.
9. Add the gelatin-milk mixture to the cream cheese blend, mixing until homogeneous.
10. Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture over the chilled cookie base, spreading it evenly.
11. Return the pan to the refrigerator, allowing it to set for at least 3 hours.
12. In a saucepan, gently heat 300g of strawberries along with 3 tbsp of sugar, stirring until the strawberries soften and sugar dissolves.
13. In a separate small bowl, combine 10g of gelatin with 100ml of water, stirring well, and add it to the strawberries.
14. Use a mixer to blend the strawberry mixture until smooth and uniform.
15. Pour the strawberry topping over the firm cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully to avoid mixing the layers.
16. Place the dessert into the refrigerator once more, letting it chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
17. Once fully set, slice the dessert with a sharp knife for clean cuts.
18. Optionally, decorate with additional fresh strawberries on top for visual appeal.
19. Serve cold, allowing each piece to reveal its beautiful layers.
20. Enjoy the blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures with every bite.

Tips

• Gelatin Substitution: If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, agar-agar can be used instead of gelatin.
• Strawberry Selection: Fresh, ripe strawberries deliver the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Serving Temperature: Ensure the dessert is well chilled before serving for the best consistency.

Nutritions

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 6g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 43g

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the base to accommodate gluten intolerance.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Beverages: Complement with a glass of chilled rosé or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Best Places

• The Cheesecake Factory - Offers an extensive selection of cheesecakes. Location: 1505 Diamond Blvd, Concord, USA.
• Hummingbird Bakery - Known for its luxurious and visually stunning cakes. Location: 133 Portobello Rd, London, UK.
• Sweet Lady Jane - A cozy bakery offering gourmet cheesecakes. Location: 8360 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
• Ladurée Paris - Famous for their elegant pastries and desserts. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• The Flour Pot Bakery - Artisan breads and desserts in a warm setting. Location: 2125 Bloor St W, Toronto, Canada.
• Café Landtmann - A classic Viennese café experience with rich desserts. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Lady M Cake Boutique - Known for delicate and multi-layered cakes. Location: 1205 Third Ave, New York, USA.
• Becasse Bakery - Offers freshly baked goods and desserts. Location: 32 Market Place, Sydney, Australia.
• Konditori & Bageri - Known for classic Swedish pastries. Location: Strandvägen 1, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Cova - Historic Italian café serving elegant pastries. Location: Via Montenapoleone 8, Milan, Italy.