Indulge in the regal elegance of this Royal Cheesecake, a sophisticated dessert that perfectly marries a rich cocoa shortcrust with a creamy, vanilla-infused cheesecake filling. Enhanced with rum-soaked raisins and a hint of lemon zest, this cheesecake offers a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. The layered construction, featuring a grated pastry topping, adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth cheesecake, making every bite a luxurious experience.
Why You’ll Love This:
Royal Cheesecake stands out due to its unique combination of textures and flavors. The cocoa in the shortcrust provides a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of the vanilla and raisin filling. The rum not only enhances the raisins but also imparts a warm, rich undertone that elevates the overall flavor of the cake. This dessert is perfect for those who appreciate a cheesecake with a twist, offering a satisfying crunch with every mouthful.
Perfect Occasion:
This cheesecake is ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, sophisticated dinner parties, or as a festive treat during the holiday season. Its elegant appearance and rich flavor profile make it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and elevate any culinary gathering.
Decoration Tips:
For an exquisite presentation, dust the cooled cheesecake with powdered sugar and garnish with a few fresh raspberries or mint leaves for color. If serving at a special event, consider adding gold leaf elements or chocolate curls to enhance its royal appeal. A drizzle of dark chocolate can also be added for those who desire a deeper cocoa flavor.
Ingredients for the Cocoa Shortcrust:
- 450g all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup fine sugar
- 250g cold butter
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (18% fat)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 800g farmer’s cheese
- 250ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- 3/4 cup fine sugar (about 130g)
- 3 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla custard powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4-5 tablespoons raisins
- 80ml rum
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla sugar in a bowl. Incorporate the cold butter, eggs, and sour cream until the dough is cohesive. Divide into two equal parts, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Base:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C. Line a 22×22 cm baking dish with parchment paper. Grate half of the chilled dough into the bottom of the pan, pressing to form an even layer. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- Soak raisins in rum. In a mixing bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, custard powder, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix at low speed just until combined. Stir in the rum-soaked raisins and lemon zest.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Grate the remaining dough over the top of the filling to cover.
- Bake:
- Bake at 160°C for about 60 minutes or until set. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar.
Enjoy this opulent Royal Cheesecake, a dessert that promises not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning addition to your dess
