10/02/2024
Valentine's Dessert Recipe that would make a great choice for celebrating Valentine's Day from our Pastry Chef Νεκταριος Ανδρέου Σωκρατους
Lemon baked cheesecake topped with strawberries marinated in light cinnamon-mint syrup
RECIPE
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For the base
85 gr unsalted butter
140 gr digestive biscuits
1 Tbspn caster sugar
For the batter
900 gr Philadelphia cream cheese
250 caster sugar
27 gr plain flour
Vanilla to flavour
Zest of one lemon
1.5 tspn lemon juice
3 large eggs + one egg yolk
284 ml sour cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Base:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or by using a food processor.
Mix the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared cake tin.
Bake the base for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the caster sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and plain flour. Beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the filling over the cooled biscuit base in the cake tin.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the cake tin on a baking sheet (this helps to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gradually.
Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Topping:
Cut fresh strawberries and marinate them in a light syrup (250 ml water, 125 gr sugar) flavored with cinnamon and fresh mint
Spread the topping over the chilled cheesecake.
Serve:
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the cake tin and transfer it to a serving plate.
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious baked cheesecake!
Adjust baking times according to your oven's behavior, as some may vary slightly.
