This classic cheesecake with a buttery cracker crust and creamy filling is a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. The cheesecake is rich and smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, topped with fresh berries to add a burst of color and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cuisine
This cheesecake is inspired by American cuisine, where cheesecake has been a beloved dessert for centuries. The classic combination of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs is a staple in cheesecake recipes, and the addition of fresh berries offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 120g crackers (graham crackers or digestive biscuits)
- 5 tablespoons (80g) melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3/4 cup (175g) full-fat sour cream
For the Topping:
- Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a food processor or by hand, crush the crackers into fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and has a sandy texture. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to form an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and set. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully combined. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and flour, and mix until smooth. Lastly, fold in the sour cream until everything is well combined. The batter should be thick and creamy.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Bake the cheesecake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. To prevent cracking, it’s helpful to turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 30 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar. This cooling process helps the cheesecake gradually come to room temperature.
4. Chill the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After it cools to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling helps the cheesecake set and develop its rich, creamy texture.
5. Top with Fresh Berries
Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Decorate the top with fresh berries, arranging them in a pattern or randomly for a rustic look. You can use a combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful and flavorful topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Cheesecake has ancient origins, dating back to Greece where it was served to athletes at the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. The modern version of cheesecake, especially in the United States, evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries, with cream cheese becoming the central ingredient. Today, cheesecake is beloved worldwide, with countless variations and flavor combinations. This classic version with fresh berries remains one of the most popular due to its creamy texture and balanced sweetness.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The rich cream cheese filling provides an incredibly smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The cheesecake is perfectly balanced with the sweetness from the sugar, the tanginess from the cream cheese, and the brightness of the lemon juice.
- Fresh and Fruity Topping: The fresh berries add a natural sweetness and tartness that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Impressive and Elegant: This cheesecake is an elegant dessert that’s sure to impress at any occasion, from family gatherings to dinner parties.
Health Benefits
- Calcium and Protein: The cream cheese and sour cream provide a good source of calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle repair.
- Antioxidants from Berries: The fresh berries are loaded with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body and support overall health.
- Healthy Fats: While this cheesecake is indulgent, it also contains healthy fats from the dairy products, which are necessary for maintaining cell function.
Serving Suggestions
- For Special Occasions: Serve this cheesecake as the centerpiece of a dessert spread at birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday dinners.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice of cheesecake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With a Side of Fruit: Serve the cheesecake alongside additional fresh fruit like citrus slices or a fruit salad for extra freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will help the ingredients blend smoothly without lumps.
- Prevent Cracking: To prevent cracks, avoid overbaking the cheesecake. If the center is slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven, it will set perfectly as it cools.
- Water Bath: If you want to ensure an ultra-smooth texture and prevent cracking, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath (placing the pan in a larger pan filled with hot water) to maintain even heat.
- Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan is essential for easy removal of the cheesecake without damaging its delicate texture.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cheesecake: Add melted chocolate to the batter for a rich chocolate cheesecake, or swirl it into the batter before baking.
- Fruit-Flavored Cheesecake: Blend your favorite fruit puree into the filling for a fruity twist. Try strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes for a refreshing flavor.
- Nut Crust: For a different texture, use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans instead of crackers for the crust.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake before serving for a decadent addition.
Conclusion
This classic cheesecake with fresh berries is a dessert that’s both indulgent and timeless. The rich and creamy filling paired with the tartness of fresh berries creates the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this cheesecake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time. It needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, so preparing it in advance works well.
2. How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To avoid cracks, don’t overbake the cheesecake, and allow it to cool gradually by turning off the oven and leaving it inside for 30 minutes after baking.
3. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may alter the texture and taste of the cheesecake. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the creamiest texture.
5. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can use a graham cracker, cookie, or even a nut-based crust instead of the traditional cracker crust.
6. How do I store leftover cheesecake?
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen berries, but fresh berries provide a better texture and appearance.
8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
You can try an egg substitute, such as a flax egg or silken tofu, but it may alter the texture of the cheesecake.
9. How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
To make this cheesecake gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers for the crust and ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
10. What other fruits can I use on top of the cheesecake?
You can use any fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or kiwi.