Starting off the year with a little zing, we’re onto a #citruslove this month and we invite you to share any citrus recipes you’ve blogged about this month with us.
Very recently a friend asked me for a basic cheesecake recipe and she had but one simple request: “Please make it basic. For a noob.” Not five minutes later, my 16-year-old cousin calls me whilst am in the midst of a management meeting. She’s standing in a store, she says, “can you quickly list out ingredients I need to buy to bake a cheesecake?” The final straw was an email from a reader of my blog who wanted to know how to omit the pumpkin in from the pumpkin cheesecake recipe so that she could enjoy a basic cheesecake. Erm, what?
Result: this post. Cheesecake 101. Not difficult to bake, no need for fancy ingredients, and easily adaptable.
Prep talk:
There are few basic rules that you should keep in mind while baking a cheesecake. Before you begin, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. The oven should be preheated and the water in the bain marie must be warm. Use a springform baking tin and I recommend an additional lining of parchment or tin foil to avoid batter leakage and preventing water from the bain marie seeping into the tin. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on your requirement.
The crust:
This really depends on what you like. You could choose between store-bought or homemade graham crackers or digestive biscuits. I usually use whole wheat digestive biscuits or the occasional homemade graham crackers (step by step recipe coming up soon…)
The crust has 3 simple ingredients: Butter, sugar, and crackers (or in our case, biscuits.)
Combine digestive biscuits, sugar and melted butter in a food processor and blitz till crumbly and the mixture clumps together when held together. Press crumbs into bottom evenly with the tip of your fingers or the back of a spoon of prepared pan. You could also press them slightly upsides if you like.
Changes and Variations: I usually like to add a hint of cinnamon in my crust but that is a matter of personal choice and can be avoided if you’re allergic or just don’t feel like it. If you’re baking a cookies and cream cheesecake, then substitute the crackers or biscuits with Oreo cookies and avoid the sugar. Don’t skip the butter because you need the cookies to come together at the base and the butter will enable that. Use gingersnaps to make a crust and use it for a pumpkin cheesecake. The crust can be made with almond or hazelnut flour too but for keeping it simple, we’re focusing on digestive biscuits, butter, sugar and some cinnamon. While preparing the filling bake the crust in a preheated oven for 10 minutes until the edges are slightly brown and toasty.
The Filling:
Mix vanilla, lime zest and juice and set aside. Start off by beating the cream cheese (Make sure it’s at room temperature) until its creamy and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if required and gradually add the sugar and beat until smooth. Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs, one at a time, scraping sides of bowl after each egg is added. Add vanilla mixture and beat just until smooth. (Note: If you want a vanilla cheesecake sans the lime, omit juice and zest entirely)
My #Citrus Variation:
There are a zillion possibilities beyond the basic cheesecake. But I’m focusing on citrus today and sharing a Strawberry Lime Cheesecake. We’re adding the zest and juice of one lime along with the vanilla essence.
For the strawberries: Hull, clean and chop strawberries, toss in 2 tablespoons of sugar and a zest of orange.
While transferring to the pan, pour half the batter, spoon the strawberry filling and then pour the rest of the batter. Ensure the filling does not touch the ends. Run a knife through the batter to give it a swirl effect.
Baking the cheesecake:
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until cake edge is set and center still jiggles. Turn off the oven and let it sit inside for an hour. Next, take out the cheesecake from oven and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Plan to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
Serving: After getting out the cheesecake from the fridge, run a small metal spatula around the edge to prevent cracks. To serve, release sides of springform pan and place cheesecake on serving plate. Add chopped strawberries and white chocolate shavings. Dip knife into warm water and wipe dry before cutting slices.
- Crust:
- ½ cups digestive biscuits (approx 100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Filling:
- 226 grams or one 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sugar + 1 tablespoon for strawberries
- 1 egg, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Zest of 1 medium lime
- ½ cup strawberries + more for garnish
- Heat oven to 350 with oven rack in middle. Lightly grease sides of your springform pan.
- For the strawberries: Clean, hull and chop the strawberries, add zest, 1 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon lime juice
- Crust: Combine biscuits, sugar, cinnamon and melted butter in the food processor till it forms fine crumbs. Press crumbs into bottom of prepared pan.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese in bowl with a mixer on medium speed until creamy and free of lumps. Scrape down sides of bowl. Gradually add sugar, scraping sides of bowl occasionally, and beat until smooth.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and add egg. (See note)
- Add vanilla and remaining lime juice and beat just until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into crust and smooth the top, add strawberries and then the remaining of the batter. Run the tip of a sharp knife to give it a swirl effect.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until cake at the edges is set and center still jiggles. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake remain in the oven for an hour.
- Remove cheesecake from oven.
- Run a small metal spatula around the edge to help prevent cracks. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Plan to refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- To serve, release sides of springform pan and place cheesecake on serving plate. Dip knife into warm water and wipe dry before cutting slices. Garnish with strawberries and white chocolate
I’m co-hosting this blog hop with 28 fantastic bloggers. Do hop over to check out their posts.
Happy Baking!
A basic cheesecake tutorial is a fabulous idea. A strawberry lime cheesecake is just genius. This looks absolutely delicious!
Great info, and it looks really great!
Strawberry and lime are two of my favorite fruits! And thank you for making cheesecake look so easy. Im scared of making and it is one of my new year resolutions to perfect cheesecake. Cant wait to try this out!
I need to attend this class. Thanks An. I have always tried the no-bake variety because I was scared I couldn’t pull of a baked one. This step by step process gives me the confidence to try a baked one now.
Thanks for also sharing that vital information about covering the springform pan when it needs to go in a bain -marie. I learnt this the hard way when I make Caramal Flan and all the water just gushed inside my flan batter. :-(
I needed to attend this class. Thanks An. I have always tried the no-bake variety because I was scared I couldn’t pull of a baked one. This step by step process gives me the confidence to try a baked one now.
Thanks for also sharing that vital information about covering the springform pan when it needs to go in a bain -marie. I learnt this the hard way when I made the Caramal Flan and all the water just gushed inside my flan batter.
Oh mY God! What is this? A National Day for Typos..
*Caramel
Heh. No worries. I’m glad to know this post helps. :)
that is too beautiful to eat:) and i love the zesty strawberries! i need to make me some of this pretty cheesecake!
I really like the addition of zest. I’m sure it adds great flavor to the berries, yummy!
Goodness gracious this is just gorgeous! I’m loving the lime and Thank you for showing us how to make a cheesecake – an excellent tutorial!
Brilliant! I’m not much of a baker, and this is just the inspiration I need to attempt my first cheesecake.
What a wonderful theme to start off a new year! A cheesecake with citrus flavors..oh and strawberries too..I am loving it.
I guess all those inquiries were definitely a sign. I have a number of cheesecake only cookbooks, but there is nothing in them that has this delicious combo. I am sure it tastes out of this world and the presentation does pull you in. Great blog hop as well as post.
YUM! Both gorgeous and delicious!!! I want a slice for breakfast!!!
Beautiful and gorgeous!What a lovely recipe Anu,very tempting indeed :)
Oh my Gosh! This looks so good!!! Now I need to make cheese cake!!! What beautiful photos!
What a helpful post on making cheesecakes! As for the strawberry and lime – well, it’s like a margarita in a cheesecake and I can’t think of anything better.
Gorgeous cheesecake, and I great tutorial! The thing I love about cheesecake, is that is so easily adapted to gluten-free-in this case just switch out the crust to – gluten-free cookie! I’m definitely bookmarking this to make later! Happy #citruslove!
This cheesecake looks divine! Can’t wait to try this.
Your strawberries look so bright and luscious! Great post!
This Citrus Love thing is killing me! I am such a sucker for lime desserts, and add cheesecake and strawberries on one magical lovely post?! I’m dying.
Beautiful! Great information, too – the waiting is the part that always kills me; my cheesecakes always have fingerprints in them before they are ready to be served ::blush::
This is one gorgeous cheesecake! The bottom alone makes me happy :) Very ncie introduction to the bloghop!
I’m a big fan of a cheesecake with a little key lime in it myself! But any citrus fruit adds such amazing flavor, and so simply and inexpensively – really makes an ordinary cheesecake extraordinary!
Fantastic post and tutorial! The cheesecake is just beautiful and I love the idea of a hint of cinnamon is the crust…brilliant!
Geez Louise if my response doesn’t register the second time I am gonna have a twitter tantrum. How did you know momma loves cheesecake, Was my favorite in my late teens and into my twenties. You brought cheesecake back!! Looks scrumptious!!
Visiting from Citrus bloghop! I like your step by step tutorial, very helpful for those like me that never bake cheese cake or work with a springform baking dish. Have a great weekend! :)
This is two strawberry lemon cheesecakes for me today so far… I can never have enough. Yum! I always say it’s like a ray of sunshine on a winter’s day. Love the pictures. :)
Fabulous idea to start the year out with a basic recipe. I’m so bookmarking this one! Love your tutorial…and the stories behind it! Hope your 16 yr old cousin had success!
Great tutorial and your cheesecake looks amazing. It’s too pretty to be eaten!
I can taste it through the pictures!! Loving it, wish I really had a slice. *Confession* I have never made a cheesecake before but you made it look so easy, I am going to have to make one!
Love this! Strawberry and lime is a delicious combo, perfect for cheesecake. Great step by step instructions too. I love to make cheesecake but it’s been a long time since I’ve made one (the BF and I can’t eat one alone). But I think ‘ll try and make one soon.
I can’t imagine a cheesecake having any more wonderful photos of the process and the finished result than this one. Bravo!
Love the step by step tutorial, cheesecake is such a wonderful medium for playing with flavors but you’ve got to know the basics first!
I love cheesecake and your picture tutorial is awesome! I like having lots of step by step photos :) I’ll have to add cinnamon to my crust next time – thanks for the tip!
What a beautiful combination of flavors. I have never made a cheesecake – I’m so embarrased to say… One of these days when I do I hope it turns out as perfect as yours looks.
Gorgeous cheesecake! I like how you detailed the steps involved. Wonderful combination of flavors with strawberries and lime!
Wow, An! This is amazing. I adore cheesecake and your tutorial is wonderful. So pretty. Yay for #citruslove :)xx
What an awesome tutorial on cheesecakes! But, the strawberry and lime part really made my tummy growl when reading this recipe. Looks fantastic!
Oh, my! This looks just delicious! What a nice thing to make – and I love a hint of citrus in cheesecake!
pinned this to pinterest!!!!!! sounds and looks amaaaaaaaaaazing! <3 i'm drooling!
What a delish cheesecake, Anu! I got so hungry reading your post, even if I just got home from a dinner! Thanks for sharing. Glad to bake along with you anytime!
Nom nom nom nom!
I wonder if I could turn this into cupcakes?!?!
Ooh! I like that idea.
What a delicious cheesecake…
I love how simple to make you have made it with step by step guide….
Beautiful!!!! It will be hard for me to slice this beauty….
What a great combo for cheesecake!!! Sounds amazing :) I hope all your friends can make their own cheesecake now!
Thanks for the detailed explanations. I have never made cheesecake (I think) and have been thinking of making this. This inspires me, thanks
I’ve been going every night to bed reading a cheesecake specific magazine by Fine Cooking and definitely want to make just a simple cheesecake! Yours looks amazing!
lime and strawberries in cheesecake sound delightful!!! :D wow i wish i could do that, whip out ingredients to a baked dish off the top of my head lol. :) sending some #citruslove to you!
I had to laugh at the first part…I always want to step up cheesecake to the next level. This strawberry lime version looks fantastic. Just my style!
Perfect idea to do a cheesecake 101, I was afraid to make one for the longest time. Now I can’t wait to make the next one:-) It is one of those treats you think will be sooooo hard to make. Love the addition of lime in your cheesecake, beautiful! Hugs, Terra
I love all of the strawberry goodness!
Love this #citrus love month and love co-hosting with you! This cheesecake recipe looks amazing – and I really appreciate all your tips and photographs!!
what a pretty cheesecake and I bet it tasted wonderful with the lime and strawberries. Great post, great to be co-hosting with you.
Thanks Suzanne!
it looks really thick and delicious I made one a while back, cheesecake is really the best
What a gorgeous flavour of cheesecake!
Thank Carolyn! :)
This is a great pairing of flavors! And I am always a sucker for a good cheesecake
LOVE the step by steps! And craving a bit fat slice of that cheesecake right now! :D
Fantastic cheesecake tutorial, and strawberry lime looks and sounds out of this world! Great to co-host with you!
Strawberries and lime is a lovely combination. Your cheesecake looks so good, I wish I could reach right in an sneak a bite.
What a fabulous cheesecake! It looks irresistible.
This recipe was saved for a future reference. So delicious!!
Oh wow this is like my dream cheesecake! Strawberry and cheesecake is like the best combo, and on top of that you added lime! I love citrus flavor in sweets. When I look at this kind of recipe, I totally wish I was a (good) baker (and was skinny!). =P
I love making cheesecake and your looks great. Strawberry and lime, what a wonderful and refreshing combo. Wish I had a couple of bites
love this recipe! The strawberries & lime take away the guilt of the calories, Right? LOL
XOXO
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Looks fabulous!
Cheesecake is my favourite desert… and yours makes me salivate!
This cheesecake looks amazing!! Love the citrus twist!
Love the splash of lime!
Love how gorgeous is this cheesecake. And that white chocolate shavings just pushes it to the edge! Must make some soon :D
What gorgeous photos! This cheesecake looks absolutely delicious!! Love the details too. Thanks for sharing! =]
Awesome Recipe,
I made it the other day for the family :)
I also really like this New York Cheesecake Recipe.
http://www.wascene.com/food-drink/new-york-cheesecake-recipe/
Tina
Thanks Tina. Glad it turned out well for you. :)
I love the way you incorporated the strawberries inside the cheesecake! This look deeelicious! Thanks for co-hosting the citrus hop!
Love the flavours in this cheesecake and it looks stunning to. I’ve never made a baked cheesecake before – I’m sure it will come to me one day though! Love all these wonderful citrussy recipes.
The cheesecake is just beautiful.
Yum and more yum to this simple and adorable looking cheesecake you have made, Love that berries to go with the cake.
This is a recipe from my dreams – I am absolutely in love! Cheesecake, strawberries and citrus? Weaknesses all round :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Hi BakerStreet – thanks for dropping by my site the other day – happy I could discover yours and this incredible looking cheesecake. You know, cheesecake is my absolutely favourite dessert, but I have never, to this day, made a baked one – I really need to fix that! Your cheesecake looks amazing, so professional! :)
Thanks Charles!
I adore cheesecake and this one looks wonderful, yum!
This is making me crave cheesecake!
gorgeous pictures. never thought of strawberry LIME cheesecake… looks divine and perfect for spring. i love how you made the crust with only 2 tbsp of butter, it could be a lot worse. :)