Campari Cheesecake Recipe
Looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing? This Campari Cheesecake offers a delightful blend of creaminess with the zesty punch of citrus. Made with grapefruit and a splash of Campari, it’s the perfect end to a meal, especially during warmer months. Its fruity, slightly bitter notes make it a standout among cheesecakes. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare and requires no baking, making it perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients and Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (melted) | 1/3 cup |
| Graham cracker crumbs | 1 3/4 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Plain yogurt | 2/3 cup |
| Grapefruit zest | Zest of 2/3 grapefruit |
| Pink grapefruit juice | Juice of 1 pink grapefruit |
| Unflavored gelatin | 1 packet |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Pink grapefruit (peeled and segmented) | 1 |
| Kiwi (peeled and sliced) | 2 |
| Maraschino cherries | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutritional Fact | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 326.3 kcal |
| Fat Content | 22.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 97.8 mg |
| Sodium | 225.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.6 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 16.5 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Serving Size | 10 servings |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Grease an 8-inch springform pan to ensure your cheesecake easily comes out after setting.
- Melt 1/3 cup of butter and mix it thoroughly with 1 3/4 cups of graham cracker crumbs until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased springform pan to form the base of your cheesecake. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2/3 cup of plain yogurt, and 1/3 cup of whipping cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the rich and luscious base of your cheesecake.
- Add the zest of 2/3 of a pink grapefruit and the juice of 1 full pink grapefruit. You can also add a splash of Campari at this stage for an extra citrusy kick, balancing the creamy texture with its tartness.
-
Prepare the Gelatin:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 packet of unflavored gelatin with 1/3 cup of water. Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the gelatin mixture to cool slightly.
-
Combine the Gelatin and Cheese Mixture:
- Stir the cooled gelatin mixture into the whipped cheese mixture. This will help your cheesecake set properly, creating that perfect sliceable texture without the need for baking.
-
Beat the Eggs:
- In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs with 2 cups of sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick and holds a ribbon when drizzled. This means the mixture will fall in thick ribbons from the beaters, indicating it has incorporated enough air for a light texture.
- Gently fold the beaten egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined without overmixing.
-
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top for an even finish.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect texture.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cheesecake has set, it’s time to garnish. Decorate the top with peeled and segmented pink grapefruit, sliced kiwi, and a handful of maraschino cherries for a colorful and refreshing finish.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Slice and enjoy!
This Campari Cheesecake is a dessert that’s sure to impress with its sophisticated flavors and vibrant presentation. The cream cheese and yogurt base is light and creamy, while the grapefruit and Campari add a tart, slightly bitter edge, balanced beautifully by the sweet crust and fresh fruit garnish. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or a holiday feast, it’s bound to be a hit!
