Apple Almond Cheesecake Delight

This delightful cheesecake combines a buttery crust with a smooth, creamy filling topped with tart apples. It starts with a shortcrust pastry base, which gives the cake a rich, buttery flavor. The filling, made with cream cheese and ricotta, is light yet indulgent, offering a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The apples add a refreshing tartness that complements the creamy layers, while the almond flakes contribute a subtle nutty crunch. Baking it elevates the flavors and aromas, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or simply a treat for yourself. After baking, the cake is dusted with a touch of powdered sugar, adding a touch of elegance. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a standalone dessert, this apple almond cheesecake promises a delightful experience with every bite. The combination of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible choice for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for apples.

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 100 g sugar
• 200 g butter
• 300 g flour

For the Filling:

• 1 package cream cheese (Rasa)
• 1 package (180-200 g) ricotta
• 1 egg
• Sugar to taste - approximately 100 g
• Vanilla sugar
• 5-6 tart or semi-tart apples

For the Topping:

• 1 handful almond flakes
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Preparation Time

• Total: 120 minutes (including prep and baking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry: Combine 100 g of sugar with 200 g of butter until smooth, and then mix in 300 g of flour to form a dough.
2. Store the Dough: If not using immediately, the dough can be stored in the freezer for future use.
3. Pre-bake the Base: Spread half or more of the dough into a 28 cm diameter baking pan, smoothing out only the bottom for now. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 7 minutes.
4. Mix Filling: While the base bakes, use an electric mixer to combine cream cheese, ricotta, sugar, and egg until smooth. Use either only cream cheese or ricotta if preferred.
5. Cool the Base: Remove the baked base from the oven and allow it to cool.
6. Prepare Apples: While the base cools, slice the apples. If they are very tart, add 1 tablespoon of sugar.
7. Form the Crust: After cooling, mold the remaining dough to form the edges of the crust. This method avoids the need for bean weights.
8. Add Filling: Pour the cheese and ricotta mixture into the shortcrust shell, spreading evenly.
9. Arrange Apples: Place the apple slices on top of the cheese mixture.
10. Sprinkle Almonds: Finally, sprinkle the surface with almond flakes.
11. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven at 200°C for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake for another 35 minutes.
12. Final Touches: If the edges have browned excessively, trim them for a neater presentation.
13. Cooling and Presentation: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar. The final product, garnished with almond flakes, looks elegant and enticing.
14. Serve: The cake offers a crispy outer layer with a creamy center, perfectly balanced with the tangy apples.
15. Enjoy: This cake is perfect for family gatherings or a sweet indulgence any time of the day.

Tips

• **Substitute***: Use only cream cheese for a denser filling or only ricotta for a lighter taste.
• Storage: The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
• Customization: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for additional flavor with the apples.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 330 per slice
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative.
• Nut-Free: Omit the almond toppings and replace them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

• Seasonal Fruits: Serve with a side of fresh seasonal fruits for a refreshing contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: Complement the cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can enhance the dessert experience.

Best Places

• The Cheesecake Factory - Famous for an extensive variety of cheesecakes and delicious meals. Location: 251 Geary St, San Francisco, USA.

• Café Landtmann - Offers an array of top-notch pastries including cheesecakes in a historic setting. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.

• Pasticceria Marchesi - Known for exquisite Italian pastries and desserts. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.

• La Tarte Tropezienne - Offers delectable pastries with a view of the French Riviera. Location: 36 Boulevard Louis Blanc, Saint-Tropez, France.

• Baked Patisserie - Artisan bakery with distinctive cakes and pastries. Location: 279 Church St, New York, USA.

• Chez Mamie - A charming spot offering scrumptious homemade desserts. Location: Rue des Cordeliers 20, Lausanne, Switzerland.

• Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for decadent pastries and bread, made with dedication. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.

• Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris - Renowned for combining French and Japanese dessert techniques. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.

• Konditori - Swedish-style café with authentic pastries and cakes. Location: 167 East 87th St, New York, USA.

• Du Pain et des Idées - Known for classic French pastries in a quaint setting. Location: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, Paris, France.