Mascarpone Biscuit Cheesecake with Blueberries and Egg Cream

This luxurious dessert combines the rich creaminess of mascarpone with the softness of a biscuit base, embellished with the tartness of blueberries. The interplay of textures and flavors makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Velvety mascarpone cheese is whipped with sweetened cream to create a sublime filling, while a layer of egg cream adds an unexpected depth and silkiness. The blueberries not only bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness but also a burst of fresh juiciness with every bite. Every layer of this cake is sprinkled with cherry liqueur for a subtle hint of indulgence. This cheesecake is not only visually stunning but also a delightful experience for the senses. A simple preparation process makes it accessible even for the home baker. With a few tips and tricks, you can nail this recipe to impress your friends and family. Serve it chilled for a refreshing summery treat or at room temperature to enjoy all the lush flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Egg Cream:

• 5 egg yolks
• 200 g powdered sugar
• 15 g gelatin

Cheese Mixture:

• 500 g mascarpone cheese
• 200 g heavy cream

Other Ingredients:

• 50 g cherry liqueur
• 100 g cherry juice
• 300 g blueberry jam (or other jams like raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry)
• 2 to 3 handfuls of blueberries (or other berries such as raspberries or strawberries)
• Butter or oil for greasing

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with the Biscuit Base: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whisk the egg yolks with sugar and a bit of vanilla sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture using a wooden spoon.
3. Sift the flour over the mixture and fold gently, ensuring it's well incorporated but not deflated.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 20-25 minutes. Check with a skewer to ensure it's cooked through.
5. Once baked, remove the biscuit from the oven, cut it in half horizontally, and let it cool completely.
6. Prepare the Egg Cream: Soak the gelatin in cold water to bloom. Whisk the egg yolks with powdered sugar, then gently heat the mixture over a double boiler until it thickens to a liquid cream consistency.
7. Once the egg cream is ready, melt the soaked gelatin and add it to the egg cream, stirring constantly.
8. For the Cheese Mixture: Whip the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
9. Add the prepared egg cream mixture to the whipped cheese and fold until smooth.
10. Assemble the Cheesecake: Ensure the biscuit layers are completely cooled. Before layering, drizzle both biscuit halves with the cherry liqueur and juice mixture.
11. Place the first biscuit layer in a springform pan. Spread half of the blueberry jam over the biscuit, followed by one third of the cheese mixture.
12. Carefully place the second biscuit layer on top and repeat the process with the remaining jam and cheese mixture. Smooth the top and sides.
13. Refrigerate the assembled cake to allow the flavors to meld and the gelatin to set, preferably for several hours or overnight.
14. Before serving, remove the cake from the fridge and top it with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for decoration.
15. If desired, drizzle with sugar syrup or additional fruit garnish for an extra touch.
16. Ready to Enjoy: Slice and serve for a moment of pure indulgence. Don't forget to savor every bite!

Tips

• For a nutty twist, consider adding a thin layer of finely chopped toasted nuts between the cake layers.
• If mascarpone is unavailable, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, though the texture and flavor will slightly differ.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness according to your taste by adding more or less sugar.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 9g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 51g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute or reduce sugar amounts across all components.
• Vegan Version: Utilize vegan cream cheese, plant-based cream, and egg substitutes for the egg components.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of espresso or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve alongside a tart berry coulis to complement the rich flavors of the cheesecake.
• Refresh the palate with a scoop of vanilla or berry-flavored ice cream.

Best Places

• Café Sacher - Known for its classic Viennese desserts. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Pâtisserie Stohrer - Paris’ oldest pastry shop with elegant pastries. Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France.
• Ladureé - A world-famous spot for macarons and gourmet sweets. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Bourke Street Bakery - Iconic for artisan bread and sweets. Location: 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia.
• Café Central - A landmark coffee house with opulent pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Angelina - Renowned for its hot chocolate and patisserie. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Demel - A historical pastry shop with decadent sweets. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pastéis de Belém - Celebrated for its Portuguese custard tarts. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Cakes by Melissa - Known for its mini cupcakes in numerous flavors. Location: 529 Broadway, New York, USA.
• Café Tortoni - Offers an authentic Argentine experience with charming pastries. Location: Av. de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina.