Mandarin Chocolate Cheesecake: A Vitamin C Rich Delight

Indulge in the unique blend of flavors with this Mandarin Chocolate Cheesecake, where the zest of mandarins meets the richness of chocolate. This cheesecake features a chocolatey shortcrust base and top, with a creamy, smooth cheesecake filling, and is dotted with sweet mandarins. It’s a perfect fusion of tangy fruit and decadent chocolate, packed with a good dose of Vitamin C.

Why You’ll Love This:

• A delightful combination of chocolate crust and mandarin-infused cheesecake.
• Rich and creamy texture with the freshness of mandarins.
• A visually appealing dessert that’s also nutritious.

Perfect Occasion: This cheesecake is great for special occasions, family gatherings, or as a decadent treat to brighten up any day.

Ingredients:

For the Base and Top:

• 2.5 cups flour (250g)
• 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder (60g)
• 1/2 packet baking powder
• 1 cup sugar (150g)
• A pinch of salt
• 150g room temperature butter
• 2 eggs

For the Cheesecake:

• 500g cream cheese (labneh)
• 1 cup sugar (150g)
• 3 eggs
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 1/3 cup cream (100ml)
• 1/3 cup less sunflower oil
• 2.5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 can of mandarins (or any fruit of choice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
   • Add eggs and butter, kneading into a dough.
   • Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, cream, and oil until creamy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, then stir in cornstarch until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
   • Roll out most of the dough and line a greased 26 cm baking pan, forming edges.
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the dough.
   • Drain mandarins and sprinkle over the filling.
   • Roll out the remaining dough, cut into pieces, and place on top, leaving gaps.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for about 50 minutes.
   • Tip: Bake on the second lowest rack to prevent the top from burning. Leave the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar.
5. Serve:
   • Enjoy this delicious Mandarin Chocolate Cheesecake, a delightful twist on the classic dessert!

This Mandarin Chocolate Cheesecake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning dessert to impress your guests.