Summer Cheese Cake

This delightful summer cheese cake embodies a creamy blend of textures and flavors, perfect for any warm-weather gathering. Made with a base of crushed biscuits and butter, it offers a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth, rich cream cheese filling. The filling itself is a delicate mixture of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of lime for brightness. Melted white chocolate adds a luxurious touch, while gelatin ensures the cake sets firmly yet remains soft and tender. The preparation involves no baking, making it an excellent choice for hot days when turning on the oven is not ideal. The cake is adorned with a variety of fresh berries, adding both color and a refreshing tartness that balances the sweet and creamy notes of the cheesecake. After chilling overnight, each slice is a showcase of vibrant summer flavors bound to impress your guests. Simple yet sophisticated, this cheese cake is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or any summertime celebration.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 packs of butter cookies
• 200 g butter
• 540 g cream cheese
• 500 ml heavy cream
• 200 ml sweetened condensed milk with cocoa and sugar (optionally without cocoa)
• 150 g white chocolate
• Juice from 2 limes
• 20-25 g gelatin
• Berries for decoration (currants, blueberries, red currants)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 12 hours, including prep and chilling time

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Crush the Biscuits: Begin by crushing the butter cookies into fine crumbs using a blender or food processor.
2. Combine with Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Mix it thoroughly with the crushed cookie crumbs.
3. Layer the Base: Line a cake mold with baking paper, then press the cookie-butter mixture evenly across the base. Use a spoon to smooth it out, then place in the fridge to chill and set.
4. Gelatin Preparation: Soak the gelatin in half to a full glass of water, allowing it to bloom and absorb moisture.
5. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
6. Mix Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese together with the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice until smooth.
7. Melt the Chocolate: Use a double boiler to gently melt the white chocolate, stirring until smooth.
8. Combine Cream Mixtures: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring uniformity.
9. Dissolve Gelatin: Gently melt the bloomed gelatin over a double boiler, ensuring it’s fully dissolved without bringing it to a boil. Drain excess water before use.
10. Integrate Chocolate and Gelatin: To the mixture, slowly add the melted white chocolate followed by the gelatin, mixing thoroughly in between additions.
11. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream mixture over the prepared cookie base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
12. Chill Overnight: Allow the cake to set by chilling it in the refrigerator overnight to ensure full firmness.
13. Decoration: Prior to serving, garnish the top with a mix of your chosen berries for a burst of color and added flavor.
14. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve cold, relishing the light, creamy texture complemented by the fresh berry topping.

Tips

• Substitute: For a darker chocolate taste, replace white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate.
• Lime Alternative: Lemon juice can substitute lime for a different citrusy flavor.
• Gelatin-Free: Use agar-agar for a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Proteins: 6 g
• Fats: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the base.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and cream with plant-based alternatives and vegan gelatin.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemon iced tea.
• Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a complete dessert offering.

Best Places

• Cheesecake Factory - A renowned dessert chain offering a wide variety of cheesecakes. Location: 2301 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
• Pâtisserie Valerie - Offers classic and modern takes on cheese cakes. Location: 44-46 High St, London, UK.
• La Viña - Famous for its baked cheesecake, a must-try in Spain. Location: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
• Junior's Cheesecake - Iconic New York style cheese cakes and more. Location: 386 Flatbush Avenue Ext, Brooklyn, USA.
• La Fée Verte - Known for uniquely flavored cheese cakes in a Parisian setting. Location: 108 Charles St, Paris, France.
• Antico Caffe’ Greco - Famous Italian haunt for espresso and cheesecake. Location: Via dei Condotti, 86, 00187 Roma, Italy.
• Cafe de Flore - A historical Parisian cafe with exquisite desserts. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Lola Cafe - Offers artisanal cheesecakes with local flavors. Location: 736 Lontoonkatu, Helsinki, Finland.
• Café A Brasileira - Known for its coffee and desserts, including unique cheese cakes. Location: R. Garrett 120, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Pavlova's Palace - Offers a unique twist with Eastern European flavors in their cheese cakes. Location: Królewska 15, Warsaw, Poland.