Berry cheesecake

Berry cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh, tangy flavor of berries. Here’s a simple recipe to make a classic berry cheesecake:

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

For the berry topping:

• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Finally, mix in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth.

3. Bake the cheesecake:

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
   • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour to prevent cracking.

4. Prepare the berry topping:

   • In a saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook until the berries release their juices.
   • If using, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the berry mixture to thicken. Stir until thickened, then remove from heat.

5. Assemble the cheesecake:

   • Once the cheesecake is completely cooled, pour the berry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
   • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture.

6. Serve:

   • Slice and enjoy your delicious berry cheesecake!

Feel free to customize it with your favorite berries or add a layer of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence!