Berry Cheesecake

Here is a recipe for a delicious Italian-style berry cheesecake!

Ingredients

• 250 g of dry biscuits (such as Digestive or similar)
• 100 g of melted butter
• 500 g of cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
• 120 g of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 200 ml of fresh cream
• 300 g of mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 12 g of gelatin sheets or agar agar

Preparation

1. Start by pulsing the biscuits in a food processor until they reach a sandy consistency. Add the melted butter and mix until you have a homogeneous mixture.
2. Line the bottom of a springform pan (recommended diameter 22-24 cm) with parchment paper and distribute the biscuit mixture, pressing down well with a spoon to form the base. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
4. In another bowl, whip the fresh cream until it becomes firm and then gently fold it into the cheese mixture.
5. Soften the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess water and dissolve them in a double boiler or in the microwave with a few drops of water. Add them to the cream cheese mixture, stirring well to avoid lumps.
6. Pour the mixture over the biscuit base in the fridge and level the surface with a spatula. Put back in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally, overnight.
7. For the topping, gently wash the berries and place them in a saucepan with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a slight boil until the sugar dissolves and the berries release their juice, then let cool.
8. Spread the berries with their syrup over the cheesecake before serving.
9. Let the cheesecake cool in the refrigerator for another hour before serving.

Fun fact

Cheesecake is a dessert that in the New World is often associated with American cuisine, especially New York, but its origins are ancient and can be traced back to ancient Greece. The berry version is a way to add a fresh and slightly tart touch that balances well with the sweetness of the cream.

And remember, cheesecake, like many desserts, is versatile: feel free to play with the ingredients, choosing your favorite berries or using a different biscuit base, for instance crushed cantucci for an even more Italian touch! Enjoy your meal!