Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar with Fresh Coulis

Mini Cheesecakes in a Jar Recipe

Category: Desserts
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin:
   Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for a few minutes, ensuring they become soft and pliable. While the gelatin is soaking, proceed with preparing the biscuit base.

2. Make the Biscuit Base:
   Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, and while the butter is melting, crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this or place the biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Once the butter is melted, mix it with the crushed biscuits until you have a moist, crumbly mixture.
   Spoon this mixture evenly into the jars, pressing it down gently to form a solid base. Place the jars in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

3. Prepare the Vanilla and Milk Mixture:
   Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place both the seeds and the pod in a small saucepan with the whole milk. Heat the mixture gently over medium heat, but do not allow it to boil. Once warm, remove from the heat and add the soaked gelatin, making sure it dissolves completely. Stir until well combined and set aside to cool to room temperature.

4. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate bowl, pour in the fresh cream. Add the icing sugar and the vanilla seeds you scraped from the pod earlier. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until it reaches a soft, creamy texture. It should not be fully whipped to stiff peaks but should hold its shape when lifted with a spatula. Set the whipped cream aside.

5. Combine Yogurt and Gelatin Mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk the natural yogurt until smooth. Gradually add the cooled milk and gelatin mixture to the yogurt, stirring to combine thoroughly. Carefully fold in the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate it too much, until everything is well combined into a light and fluffy cheesecake filling.

6. Assemble the Cheesecakes in Jars:
   Take the jars from the refrigerator. Slice the fresh strawberries into thin rounds, about 7-8 mm thick, and line the inside of each jar with the strawberry slices, arranging them vertically so that they stick to the sides of the jar. This will create a beautiful effect when the cheesecake is served. Once the jars are lined, spoon the cheesecake filling into each jar, filling it almost to the top. Smooth the surface and seal the jars. Place them back in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours.

7. Prepare the Coulis:
   For the strawberry coulis, take the remaining 100g of strawberries, wash and hull them, then chop them into small pieces. Place them in a small saucepan along with the cornstarch, lemon juice, and icing sugar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens. Once done, pass the coulis through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove any solids. Let the coulis cool to room temperature.

8. Final Assembly and Decoration:
   Once the cheesecake jars have set in the fridge for at least 2 hours, open them and carefully spoon the cooled strawberry coulis on top of the cheesecake layer. If desired, return the jars to the fridge for a little longer to chill the coulis or serve immediately.

9. Garnish and Serve:
   Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh strawberries, a few sprigs of mint, and additional berries such as blueberries and raspberries for extra color and texture. The jars will not only look beautiful but will also enhance the flavor of the cheesecake. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness of your homemade mini cheesecakes in a jar!

These mini cheesecakes in a jar are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. They offer the ultimate combination of a creamy, velvety cheesecake filling and the fresh zing of strawberry coulis, all encased in charming jars for a delightful presentation. With layers of crushed biscuits, rich vanilla, and a burst of fresh fruit, this dessert is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your guests!