Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a dessert that has gained popularity all over the world, but now I will propose it to you with an Italian twist. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients.

Ingredients

• 250 g of digestive biscuits
• 100 g of melted butter
• 500 g of cream cheese (such as Philadelphia)
• 120 g of powdered sugar
• 1 packet of vanillin or vanilla extract
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 3 eggs
• 200 ml of fresh cream

For the topping (Italian variation with a local fruit):

• 300 g of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) or a fruit jam of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (if using fresh fruit)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to thicken, if using fresh fruit)

Preparation

1. Begin by crushing the digestive biscuits until a sandy consistency is obtained. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter to combine well.
2. Line the bottom of a springform pan (preferably 22-24 cm in diameter) with parchment paper, and spread the biscuit mixture, pressing well into the base to create an even layer. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
3. In the meantime, in a bowl, whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanillin until you have a smooth mixture. You can add lemon zest if you want a citrusy touch.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Pour in the cream and continue to mix until you achieve a smooth and velvety cream.
6. Take the biscuit base out of the fridge and pour the cheese cream over the base.
7. Preheat the oven to 160 °C and bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour or until the center looks almost completely set but still slightly wobbly.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for an hour, then transfer it to the fridge to cool completely for at least 4 hours, or better if overnight.
9. For the topping, if using fresh fruit, cook the berries with a bit of sugar in a saucepan until the fruit has slightly broken down and juice has formed. Dilute the cornstarch in a little water and add it to the fruit to thicken the sauce. Let cool before pouring over the cheesecake.
10. If you are using jam, simply spread it over the cold cheesecake before serving.

Curiosity

Although cheesecake is typically considered an American dessert, its origins date back to ancient Greece. The recipe was then brought to America by European immigrants, where it gained popularity and various regional interpretations.

Remember that you can always add an Italian touch by substiting the digestives with Italian biscuits such as cantucci or amaretti for the base, or serving the cheesecake with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce! Enjoy your preparation!