This Strawberry Cheesecake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that combines a creamy cheese filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fresh berries and a light, fruity spread. It’s the perfect no-bake treat for warm weather or when you need a delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling:
- 375 g (about ½ pound) quark cheese (or 375 ml/1 cup unsalted cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) maple syrup
Crust:
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) melted butter
- 125 ml (½ cup) graham cracker crumbs
Topping:
- 180 ml fresh raspberries or strawberries (about 1 bowl)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) raspberry or strawberry spread (preferably without added sugar, such as jam)
Preparation
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the quark cheese (or your choice of cream cheese/Greek yogurt) and maple syrup until smooth and well-combined. This ensures the sweetness from the maple syrup is evenly distributed in the creamy filling.
Make the Crust:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated and evenly moistened. The butter helps bind the crumbs to form a stable crust.
Assemble the Base:
- Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly among small serving bowls or glass dishes.
- Press the crumbs down gently to form a compact, but not too tight, layer at the bottom of each dish.
Add the Cheese Filling:
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the crust in each bowl, smoothing it out to cover the crumbs with a thick, creamy layer of cheese.
Prepare the Berry Topping:
- Mash the fresh raspberries or strawberries lightly with a fork to release their natural juices and enhance their flavor.
- Stir in the raspberry or strawberry spread, blending well to create a vibrant, fruity topping.
Finish the Cheesecake:
- Spoon the berry mixture evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it out to fully cover the top.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecakes for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the layers set.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful balance of creamy sweetness and fresh berry tang in your homemade strawberry cheesecake!
Tips:
- Customization: You can substitute the raspberries or strawberries with other berries like blueberries or blackberries for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead: This no-bake cheesecake is perfect for preparing ahead of time for gatherings or as a quick dessert option. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake, the perfect light dessert for any occasion!