Spring Cheesecake with Berries
This delightful spring cheesecake is a refreshing treat that combines the rich creaminess of Philadelphia cheese with the tanginess of dried fruits and the brightness of fresh berries. The base is made from a mixture of ground nuts and dried apricots and cranberries, providing a deliciously chewy texture that complements the smooth, creamy filling. The filling, enriched with fresh orange juice and whipped egg whites, is light yet indulgent, and is set using gelatin for that perfect cheesecake consistency. Topped with a colorful array of fresh or frozen berries, this cheesecake is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With its balance of sweet and tart flavors, it becomes an ideal dessert for warm weather. This recipe offers some flexibility with ingredients and preparation methods, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Whether you're serving it at a spring gathering or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Let's dive into this delightful adventure of flavors and textures. Enjoy creating this spring masterpiece and relish every bite!
Ingredients
**For the Base:**
- 120 g dried apricots
- 120 g dried cranberries
- 180-200 g assorted nuts
**For the Cream:**
- 2 eggs
- 130 g brown sugar
- Juice of 1 orange
- 8 g gelatin
- 400 g Philadelphia cheese
**For Decoration:**
- 300 g fresh or frozen berries
Preparation Time
- **Total Time:** 120 minutes
- **Preparation:** 30 minutes
- **Cooling/Setting:** 90 minutes
Step-by-Step Instruction
1. **Prepare the Base:** Begin by finely grinding the nuts in a food processor. Add the dried apricots and cranberries, and continue processing until a sticky mixture forms.
2. **Shape the Base:** Transfer the base mixture into a 19 cm diameter springform pan. Press it down evenly to form a firm layer that will hold the cheesecake.
3. **Separate the Eggs:** Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form, ensuring no yolk contamination.
4. **Prepare the Yolks:** In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the brown sugar until you get a thick, creamy consistency.
5. **Juice the Orange:** Extract the fresh juice from the orange and mix it with the gelatin. Allow it to sit until the gelatin has absorbed the juice and swells.
6. **Melt the Gelatin:** Gently heat the orange juice mixture to dissolve the gelatin completely, then add it to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously.
7. **Combine Cream Ingredients:** Gradually incorporate the Philadelphia cheese into the yolk mixture, ensuring a smooth blending of ingredients.
8. **Fold in Egg Whites:** Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture, trying not to deflate them.
9. **Set the Cheesecake:** Pour the creamy mixture onto the prepared base, spreading evenly. Place the cheesecake in the fridge to set for at least 1 to 1.5 hours.
10. **Decorate:** Once set, adorn the top of the cheesecake with fresh or frozen berries, pressing them gently into the cream for stability.
Tips
- **Substitute Nuts:** If you don't have a powerful blender, place the nuts in a towel and crush them with a heavy object.
- **Chop by Hand:** Dried fruits that are tough to process can be finely chopped with a knife.
- **Gelatin Solutions:** Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved before adding to the yolk mixture to prevent lumps.
Nutritions
- **Calories:** 280 per serving
- **Protein:** 8 g
- **Fats:** 18 g
- **Carbohydrates:** 25 g
Variations
- **Gluten-Free Base:** Use gluten-free biscuits for a crunchy base.
- **Vegan Alternative:** Substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacement and use vegan cream cheese.
- **Sugar-Free:** Replace brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol for a low-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
- Add a side of mixed tropical fruits for an exotic twist.
Best Places
- **Chez Patrick Cafe** - Known for their delightful cheesecakes with seasonal offerings. Location: 4 Av. du Guerrier, Paris, France.
- **Cafe Mozart** - A historic spot with a range of European desserts. Location: Albertinaplatz, Vienna, Austria.
- **Ladurée** - Renowned for its elegant atmosphere and pastry selection. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
- **Sarabeth's** - Offers a charming brunch menu including cheesecakes. Location: 40 Central Park S, New York, USA.
- **Schwarzes Cafe** - A cozy, late-night cafe with unique desserts. Location: Kantstraße 148, Berlin, Germany.
- **Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms** - Traditional tea room with beloved classics. Location: 1 Parliament St, Harrogate, UK.
- **Demel** - Classic Viennese cafe with exquisite cakes and pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
- **Pastéis de Belém** - Famous for custard tarts, with a selection of cakes. Location: Rua de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
- **Pasticceria Marchesi** - Historic cafe known for their traditional pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, Milan, Italy.
- **The Cheesecake Factory** - Offers a vast array of cheesecake flavors. Location: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, USA.
