This year, Blackberry Cheesecake has become the must-try dessert, winning hearts with its luxurious texture, rich flavor, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This no-bake cheesecake combines the creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the vibrant freshness of blackberries, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat. Its layers of buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and tangy blackberry puree create a dessert that feels sophisticated yet comforting. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious end to any meal, this cheesecake is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- ¼ cup cold water
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Puree Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (plus more for decorating)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a firm, even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in a small saucepan over low heat until fully dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Stir the cooled gelatin into the cheesecake filling, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set before adding the blackberry layer.
3. Make the Blackberry Puree Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries have softened and released their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the blackberry puree, stir to combine, and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
- Gently heat the blackberry mixture over low heat until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the cooled blackberry puree over the set cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
4. Serve:
Once fully chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Decorate with additional fresh blackberries and serve chilled.
Cooking Tips
- Blooming Gelatin: Be sure to let the gelatin bloom for at least 5 minutes before heating. This ensures a smooth texture in both the cheesecake and blackberry layers.
- Smooth Cheesecake: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The cheesecake needs enough time to set properly between each layer for clean, defined layers when you slice.
Nutritional Benefits
- Blackberries: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, blackberries help support immune health and improve skin elasticity.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a good source of calcium and protein, though it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its higher fat content.
- Gelatin: Contains amino acids like glycine, which support joint health and digestion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackberry Cheesecake is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, offering a sophisticated dessert that’s still easy to make. The vibrant blackberry puree adds a beautiful contrast to the rich cream cheese filling, both in flavor and appearance. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this cheesecake will impress with its decadent yet fresh taste.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free whipped cream.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works by combining the classic creaminess of a cheesecake with the tart freshness of blackberry puree, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The gelatin helps the layers set beautifully without baking, making it a no-fuss dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The sturdy graham cracker crust provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy layers, holding everything together for the perfect bite.
Conclusion
Blackberry Cheesecake is the must-try dessert of the year because it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in a visually stunning presentation. Its no-bake method makes it approachable for any home baker, and the fresh blackberries bring a burst of seasonal flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply indulge in a special treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit!
Print
Why Blackberry Cheesecake is the Must-Try Dessert of the Year
- Total Time: 1hr 30mins
Description
This year, Blackberry Cheesecake has become the must-try dessert, winning hearts with its luxurious texture, rich flavor, and the perfect balance of sweet and tart. This no-bake cheesecake combines the creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the vibrant freshness of blackberries, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat. Its layers of buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and tangy blackberry puree create a dessert that feels sophisticated yet comforting. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious end to any meal, this cheesecake is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Puree Layer:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (plus more for decorating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a firm, even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in a small saucepan over low heat until fully dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Stir the cooled gelatin into the cheesecake filling, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set before adding the blackberry layer.
3. Make the Blackberry Puree Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries have softened and released their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the blackberry puree, stir to combine, and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
- Gently heat the blackberry mixture over low heat until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the cooled blackberry puree over the set cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
4. Serve:
Once fully chilled, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Decorate with additional fresh blackberries and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 30mins
- Cook Time: 1hr