Cheesecake Italia: A Delightful Italian Dessert
Cheesecake Italia is a delicious twist on the classic cheesecake, bringing together the smooth creaminess of fresh cheese and tangy fruits like raspberries and kiwi, all laid atop a crispy, buttery biscuit crust. The perfect combination of sweetness, tartness, and freshness, this dessert will surely become a favorite on your table. Whether for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cheesecake is an indulgent treat everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Biscuit Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Digestive biscuits (or similar) | 180g |
| Butter (melted) | 100g |
For the Cheesecake Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (fresh, spreadable) | 500g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 200ml |
| Powdered sugar | 130g |
| Gelatin sheets | 10g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
For the Fruit Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh raspberries | 21 |
| Kiwi | 1 |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
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Start by crushing the digestive biscuits in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. If you donβt have a food processor, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
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Transfer the crushed biscuits into a bowl and add the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
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Line a springform pan or a round baking tin with parchment paper. Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the pan, using the back of a spoon or your hands to compact the base tightly.
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Chill the base in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or, for a quicker set, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
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In a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add the zest of one lemon for a hint of citrus flavor and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.
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Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Afterward, squeeze out any excess water from the gelatin.
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In a separate small pan, heat the 200ml of fresh cream over low heat. Once warm, dissolve the softened gelatin into the cream, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated.
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Gradually add the cream and gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly with the mixer until the cheesecake filling is thick, smooth, and homogeneous.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
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Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the chilled biscuit base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a smooth top.
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Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing it to set and firm up.
Step 4: Prepare the Fruit Topping
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While the cheesecake sets, prepare the fresh fruit topping. Slice the kiwi into thin rounds.
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Arrange the raspberries and kiwi slices artistically on top of the cheesecake, covering the surface. If desired, dust with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar to enhance the appearance and sweetness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cheesecake has set and the fruit is arranged, the Cheesecake Italia is ready to be served. Slice into generous portions and enjoy the creamy richness of the filling, the crispness of the biscuit base, and the fresh fruit toppings.
Whether served as a casual dessert or the grand finale of a special dinner, this cheesecake will not disappoint!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Sugars | 21g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Italia:
- Chill Time: Be patient and allow the cheesecake to set properly. The longer it sits, the firmer it becomes, ensuring a better texture.
- Gelatin Tip: Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the cream. If itβs not properly dissolved, it may result in lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Fruit Variations: While this recipe uses raspberries and kiwi, feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even a mixture of tropical fruits for a unique spin.
With its rich and creamy texture, refreshing fruit topping, and irresistible crunch from the biscuit base, the Cheesecake Italia is a dessert that brings the essence of Italian indulgence to your table. Treat your friends and family to this masterpiece, and they will surely ask for seconds!
