Shortcrust pastry cheesecake

The shortcrust pastry cheesecake is a delicious cross between the traditional Italian tart and the American cheesecake. I’ll present you with a version that features a shortcrust pastry base like the tart and a filling similar to that of a cheesecake. Here are the ingredients and the method.

Ingredients for the shortcrust pastry base:

• 300 g of type 00 flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 120 g of sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Ingredients for the cheesecake filling:

• 500 g of spreadable cheese (like Philadelphia)
• 100 g of sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or vanillin)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the shortcrust pastry: in a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter cut into cubes and “sandblast” by mixing quickly with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the sugar, a pinch of salt, and the grated lemon zest. Mix to blend the ingredients.
3. Incorporate the egg and mix quickly until you obtain a compact mass. Form it into a ball and wrap it in cling film, then let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
4. In the meantime, prepare the filling: in a bowl, combine the spreadable cheese with the sugar until you get a smooth mixture.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and the grated lemon zest.
6. Remove the shortcrust pastry dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into an even layer on a floured surface.
7. Transfer the dough to a tart pan (preferably with a removable bottom), pressing it well on the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough from the edges.
8. Pour the cheesecake filling onto the shortcrust pastry base and level the surface with a spatula.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 40-45 minutes or until the surface is lightly golden and the center is just set.
10. Remove the cheesecake tart from the oven and let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.

The shortcrust pastry cheesecake can be served as it is or garnished with jam, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.

Fun Fact

The cheesecake has ancient roots and has evolved over the centuries. It is one of the most famous American cakes in the world and the addition of the Italian shortcrust pastry base creates a truly unique marriage of flavors and textures.