Pumpkin Cheesecake with Lingonberry Glaze

This delectable pumpkin cheesecake with a lingonberry glaze is an autumnal dessert that perfectly balances creamy, spiced layers with a tart, fruity topping. The base is made with crushed cookies and a hint of cinnamon, providing a crunchy counterpoint to the rich, smooth cheesecake. The filling combines the comforting flavors of cream cheese, pumpkin, and a touch of vanilla, resulting in a luscious and moist dessert. The lingonberry glaze adds a vibrant and refreshing contrast, making every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy the festive colors and flavors, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and celebrations. The cheesecake is easy to prepare with basic ingredients and straightforward steps. It's ideal for impressing guests at dinner parties or simply enjoying a cozy dessert at home. The aroma alone, with hints of cinnamon and pumpkin, is sure to evoke the warmth and coziness of the fall season.

Ingredients

Base

• 200g cookies (e.g., "Selga")
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp melted butter

Filling

• 800g cream cheese (e.g., Mascarpone, Philadelphia)
• 200ml powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 eggs
• 200ml heavy sour cream
• 200ml pumpkin puree

Glaze

• 400ml fresh or frozen lingonberries
• 200ml powdered sugar
• 150ml water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water

Preparation Time

90 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Place a heatproof dish filled with 2 cm of water on the lower rack.
2. Make the base: Use a blender to crush the cookies, then incorporate the cinnamon and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until combined.
3. Form the base: Press the cookie mixture firmly into a removable-bottom pan (about 28 cm in diameter). Pre-bake for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.
4. Beat the cheese: Whip the cream cheese with a mixer until it becomes soft and airy, then blend in the cornstarch and powdered sugar.
5. Add eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
6. Incorporate the pumpkin: Stir in the sour cream and pumpkin puree until evenly mixed.
7. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the base, bake for approximately 60 minutes until the center is set and firm.
8. Check readiness: Gently shake the pan; the cake should be firm in the center. Allow it to cool, placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
9. Remove from pan: Detach the pan's sides. Carefully separate the cake from the base with a knife or spatula, sliding it onto a plate.
10. Prepare the glaze: Cook lingonberries with water and sugar for 5 minutes. Reserve some berries for decoration.
11. Thicken the glaze: Dissolve cornstarch in water, stir it into the berry mixture, and cook until thickened. Pour over the cheesecake, ensuring it doesn't spill over the sides.
12. Decorate: Place reserved lingonberries atop the glaze for a decorative touch.
13. Chill again: Return the cake to the refrigerator until the glaze sets and the cake is thoroughly chilled.
14. Serve and enjoy: Slice the cheesecake, serve, and enjoy the exquisite balance of creamy and fruity flavors in each bite!

Tips

• Cinnamon Sugar: Substitute part of the sugar with cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist.
• Pumpkin Purée: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 per slice
• Proteins: 8g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbs: 35g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the base.
• Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and eggs with a plant-based substitute.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee: Pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cappuccino or espresso.
• Fresh Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top before serving.
• Seasonal Fruit: Garnish with seasonal berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Best Places

• Sacher Café - Famous for their exquisite cheesecakes. Location: Vienna, Austria.
• New York Cheesecake - Renowned spot for cheesecake lovers. Location: New York, USA.
• Konditori I Cake - Offers a unique blend of Scandinavian flavors. Location: Stockholm, Sweden.
• Café Central - A traditional café with delicious desserts. Location: Vienna, Austria.
• Cheesecake Haven - Known for their creative cheesecake flavors. Location: San Francisco, USA.
• The Pantry - A cozy place with a cheesecake specialty. Location: London, UK.
• Cheese to Please - A delightful café offering different cheesecake variations. Location: Sydney, Australia.
• Fruity Café - Offers seasonal fruit cheesecakes. Location: Paris, France.
• Berrylicious - Known for berry-topped cheesecakes. Location: Toronto, Canada.
• La Dolce - A must-visit for cheesecake aficionados. Location: Rome, Italy.