Walnut Cheesecake with Snowflake Decoration

This Walnut Cheesecake with Snowflake Decoration is a delightful dessert combining creamy textures and nutty flavors in a visually appealing presentation. The smooth layers of sour cream, condensed milk, and fresh cheese create a refreshing contrast with the nutty base made of walnuts and cookies. The dessert's elegance is further enhanced by the eye-catching raspberry topping, giving it a fruity twist that complements the rich and creamy layers. Additionally, the roast of the walnut-cookie crust adds a satisfying crunch and depth. This dessert takes a little time to prepare but rewards you with a luscious and beautifully layered cheesecake that is well worth the effort. It’s an ideal choice for special occasions or whenever you wish to indulge in a bit of culinary art. Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat after a meal or as the centerpiece dessert at a gathering, this cheesecake is certain to impress. In this recipe, you will discover step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and even alternative variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 700 g sour cream
• 1 can of condensed milk (unboiled)
• Vanilla sugar
• Sugar to taste
• 180 g fresh cheese (Rasa)
• 200 ml heavy cream
• Approximately 400 g raspberries (frozen)
• 1 packet Santa Maria gelatin
• Handful of walnuts
• 150 g butter
• 2 packets Selgas cookies
• 250 ml milk

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Blend the Base: Chop the walnuts and cookies into fine crumbs using a blender.
2. Prepare the Butter Mixture: Melt the butter and mix it with the walnut-cookie crumbs until fully combined.
3. Form the Base: Line a 28 cm diameter baking dish with parchment paper and press the crumb mixture firmly to form an even layer for the base.
4. Bake the Base: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the crust for about 20 minutes or until dry. Baking adds a crumbly texture to the base which can also be enjoyed unbaked.
5. Whip the Sour Cream: While the base cools, whip the sour cream until it becomes creamy and airy, increasing in volume.
6. Combine Milk and Sugar: Mix in the condensed milk and vanilla sugar, and taste for sweetness. Add more sugar if desired.
7. Prepare Gelatin: From the gelatin packet, reserve 2 teaspoons. Dissolve the rest in cold milk (200 ml), stir, and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
8. Heat and Dissolve Gelatin: Gently heat and stir the gelatin milk until the granules completely dissolve without any lumps.
9. Incorporate Gelatin Mixture: Whip the gelatin mixture into the creamy mixture until well combined.
10. Pour First Layer: Pour this cream mixture over the cooled cookie crust.
11. Raspberry Layer: For the second layer, puree raspberries and strain them to remove seeds. Reserve a few tablespoons for decoration.
12. Whip Heavy Cream: Whip the heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of sugar until it forms stiff peaks, then add fresh cheese and continue beating until smooth.
13. Incorporate Raspberry Puree: Mix the strained raspberry puree (except the reserved portion) into the whipped cream cheese mixture.
14. Add Gelatin to Raspberry Mix: Mix the 1.5 teaspoons of reserved gelatin with 50 ml of milk, let it bloom, then gently warm and dissolve. Blend this into the whipped raspberry mixture, then layer it on top of the first layer.
15. Prepare Raspberry Decoration: To the remaining 50 ml of raspberry puree, add 1 tablespoon of water, and 0.5 teaspoon of gelatin. Bloom, warm, mix, and drizzle over the dessert.
16. Create the Snowflake Pattern: Draw patterns with a stick while the topping is still soft to form a snowflake decoration.
17. Garnish: Place some whole raspberries on top for added color and texture.
18. Chill the Cheesecake: Refrigerate the dessert for 2 hours to set completely.
19. Delight in the Flavors: Enjoy a deliciously rich yet somewhat indulgent cheesecake.
20. Popularity with All: This dessert is often loved by everyone, with a soft, airy texture and not overly sweet finish.

Tips

• Baking Tip: Baking the crust is optional but recommended for added texture.
• Gelatin: Dissolve gelatin completely to avoid grainy texture.
• Sugar Adjustment: Adjust sweetness according to personal preference.
• Consistency: Whip ingredients thoroughly for best texture results.

Nutritions

• Calories: Estimated per serving (~400 g): 380 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookies for the base if needed.
• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy products with coconut cream and vegan cheese.
• Fruit Alternatives: Swap raspberries with strawberries or blueberries.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Pairings: Serve with a fresh mint leaf or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Beverage Pairings: Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or hot coffee for an elegant touch.
• Plating: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving for a festive look.

Best Places

1. Cheesecake Factory - Known for its vast variety of cheesecake flavors and a cozy atmosphere. Location: 364 Boylston St, Boston, USA.
2. Ladurée - Offers exquisite French pastries and macarons alongside their delightful cheesecakes. Location: 75 avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris, France.
3. Cafe Mozart - This Viennese classic offers scrumptious cheesecakes in an elegant setting. Location: Albertinaplatz 2, Vienna, Austria.
4. The Cheesecake Shop - A popular Australian chain renowned for fresh and custom cheesecakes. Location: 948 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, Australia.
5. The Workshop Cafe - Offers artisanal cheesecakes with eclectic flavor profiles in a modern, rustic venue. Location: 481 Elgin St, Ottawa, Canada.
6. Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki - Combines Japanese minimalism with Parisian patisserie artistry for unique cheesecakes. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
7. The Cheesecake Boy - Known for innovative, mini cheesecake creations in a variety of flavors. Location: 150 N Canal St, Chicago, USA.
8. Käsekuchen Paradies - Specializes in authentic German cheesecakes with traditional recipes. Location: Brühl 2, Berlin, Germany.
9. Bar Baren Bites - Offers an extensive range of both traditional and exotic cheesecakes. Location: Fuencarral 46, Madrid, Spain.
10. Veselka Dessert Bar - A vibrant, modern spot to enjoy creative takes on classic desserts, including cheesecake. Location: 144 2nd Ave, New York, USA.