This New York Cheesecake recipe is a creamy delight that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess with a buttery vanilla cookie crust. Every bite of this cheesecake is dense yet creamy, with just the right touch of lemon to enhance the rich flavor of the cream cheese. The addition of a fruit coulis topping adds a bright, refreshing finish that makes this dessert not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You'll Love This: The texture of this cheesecake is exceptionally creamy, achieved through a gentle baking process in a water bath, which ensures even cooking and prevents cracking. The simplicity of the ingredients and the method makes this a foolproof recipe for bakers of any level. It's a showstopper dessert that's perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to more formal events.
Perfect Occasion: New York Cheesecake is ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, or any festive gathering. It's also perfect as a weekend treat or as a luxurious dessert for a dinner party. The elegance and universally loved flavors of this cheesecake make it a welcome addition to any dessert table.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, top the cheesecake with the homemade fruit coulis just before serving. You can also garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a festive touch during the holidays, consider adding edible gold leaf or silver pearls on top.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 150 g vanilla cookies, crushed
- 50 g melted butter
- For the Filling:
- 400 g firm cream cheese
- 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml cream
- 30 g cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Vanilla essence
- For the Fruit Coulis:
- 200 g red berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, or a mix)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 level tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combine the crushed vanilla cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of a 20 cm diameter springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator to set.
- Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in the cream, cornstarch-lemon juice mixture, and a splash of vanilla essence.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust. To ensure a creamy texture, bake in a preheated oven at 150-160 degrees Celsius (302-320 Fahrenheit) in a water bath, or just at a low temperature if preferred. Cover with aluminum foil if a whiter top is desired.
- Turn off the oven when the center of the cheesecake still slightly jiggles but is mostly set. Let cool inside the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracks. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Prepare the Fruit Coulis:
- In a saucepan, cook the berries with sugar for about 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional minute until thickened.
- Let the coulis cool, then spread over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
Enjoy your luxurious and creamy New York Cheesecake, a dessert that's sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!