Slicing into happiness, one berry at a time! 🍓🍰
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
For the White Cheesecake Layer:
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
For the Mixed Berry Mousse:
1 and 1/2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for color)
3 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 and 1/2 teaspoons gelatin powder
3 tablespoons cold water
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
Make the White Cheesecake Layer:
Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 25 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely.
Create the Mixed Berry Mousse:
Puree the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Strain to remove seeds.
Bloom the gelatin in cold water for 5-10 minutes. Gently warm the berry puree and dissolve the bloomed gelatin in it. Cool to room temperature.
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold it into the cooled berry mixture until no streaks remain.
Pour the berry mousse over the cooled cheesecake layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is set and almost jiggly.
Tips for Success:
Berry Choice: The combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries will naturally create a vibrant purple hue in the mousse. Adjust the berry ratios to tweak the color if desired.
Gelatin: Ensure the berry mixture is not too hot when adding the bloomed gelatin to prevent it from losing its gelling power.
Cooling: Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next to prevent them from mixing.
This Berry Cheesecake balances the richness of a classic cheesecake with the light, fruity freshness of a berry mousse, achieving a delightful texture and natural coloration that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy your creation!
