Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake
Explore the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecakes and try our Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake for a delightful twist on classic flavors.
Introduction to Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake
Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a canvas for your creativity. This dessert combines the classic richness of a cheesecake with the bright, refreshing taste of lemon jelly, creating a layered confection that’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether making it for a special occasion or enjoying it at home, the joy of creating such a visually appealing dessert will surely inspire and excite you.
The appeal of Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake lies in its versatility and endless possibilities for customization. You are the master of your dessert, able to tailor it to your taste or the season by choosing different fruits for the jelly layer, making it a perfect year-round treat. The cheesecake base and filling can also be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this beautiful dessert. This empowerment to create a dessert that suits your preferences will surely make you feel creative and in control.
Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake
You’ll need a combination of simple yet essential ingredients to create a beautiful Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need.
- For the Base:
- Graham crackers or orea cookies or digestive biscuits (crumbled)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice (optional for a tangy flavor)
- For the Fruit Topping:
- Fresh strawberries
For the Jello
- Gelatin or agar-agar (for a vegetarian option)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Lemon juice
- Water (as a base for the jelly)
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final product, contributing to the cheesecake’s texture, flavor, and overall appearance.
Types of Cheesecake Bases
The base of your cheesecake is the foundation upon which the entire dessert is built. While the traditional graham cracker crust is a popular choice, there are several alternatives you can consider:
- Graham Cracker Crust: The most common choice, providing a sweet and slightly crunchy base.
- Biscuit/Cookie Crust: Digestive biscuits, Oreos, or other cookies can add a unique flavor.
- Nut Crust: Ground nuts mixed with butter offer a gluten-free, flavor-rich alternative.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Made with gluten-free cookies or almond flour, catering to dietary restrictions.
Choosing a suitable base is essential as it contributes to your cheesecake’s overall texture and taste.
- Preparing the Cheesecake Base
Preparing the cheesecake base is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to ensure it turns out perfectly:
- Crush the Crackers/Biscuits: Start by finely crushing the crackers or biscuits until they resemble coarse sand. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin or a food processor.
- Mix with Melted Butter: Combine the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter helps bind the crumbs together, ensuring the base holds its shape.
- Press into the Pan: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a mousse cake mold, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to smooth it out and ensure it’s packed tightly.
- Chill: Chill the base in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set it before adding the filling.
These steps will give you a solid and tasty foundation for your cheesecake.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
The filling is the heart of the cheesecake, and getting it right is crucial for a smooth, creamy texture. Here’s how to make the perfect cheesecake filling:
- Cream the Cheese: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and lumps-free. Using cream cheese at room temperature is essential to avoid a lumpy filling.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Adding Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream to the cream mixture and whip until soft peek.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the filling over the prepared base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or until it sets.
The result should be a silky, creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
Preparing The Strawberries And Clear Jelly Topping
- Select and Prepare the Strawberries: When selecting strawberries, consider their sweetness, texture, and color to ensure they enhance the overall flavor and appearance of the cheesecake. Slice the strawberries thinly and arrange them in decorative patterns.
- For the jelly, dissolve bloomed gelatin in hot water with lemon juice. Stir until completely dissolved, then add sugar to taste.
- Cool Completely: Allow the jelly mixture to cool completely before pouring it over the cheesecake. It may cook the fruit or melt the cheesecake if it’s too hot.
- Pour and Set: Gently pour the jelly over the cheesecake, ensuring an even distribution. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to set the jelly, which usually takes 4-6 hours or overnight.
The clear jelly gives the cheesecake a glossy, colorful finish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Proper assembly ensures that each bite of the cheesecake has the perfect balance of crust, filling, and jelly.
Creative Presentation Idea
Presentation plays a significant role in the appeal of a Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake. Here are some ideas to make your cheesecake stand out:
- Patterned Fruit Arrangements: Arrange the fruits in a spiral or geometric pattern before adding the jelly for a visually striking effect.
- Layered Colors: Use different fruits in layers to create a gradient effect within the jelly layer.
- Edible Flowers: Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or violets for a touch of elegance.
- Individual Portions: Make mini cheesecakes in individual servings for a more personalized touch.
These presentation ideas enhance the visual appeal and make your cheesecake a centerpiece at any gathering.
Variations of Fruit Jelly Cheesecake
Fruit Jelly Cheesecake is incredibly versatile, with numerous variations to suit different tastes:
- Mixed Berry Cheesecake: For a burst of berry flavor, combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Tropical Fruit Jelly Cheesecake: Incorporate mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruit for an exotic twist.
- Citrus and Berry Swirl Cheesecake: Before setting, swirl citrus curd and berry jelly into the cheesecake filling to create a marble effect.
These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors and create a cheesecake that’s uniquely yours.
Tips for Perfecting the Cheesecake
To ensure your Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:.
- Perfect Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste the jelly mixture before setting to adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed.
Following these tips will help you create a beautiful and delicious cheesecake.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is critical to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your cheesecake:
- Refrigeration: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the cheesecake (without the jelly topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving Leftovers: Leftover cheesecake can be served straight from the fridge or sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
Conclusion
Creating a Beautiful Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake is a rewarding experience. It combines the art of baking with the pleasure of crafting a visually stunning dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, following this guide will help you produce a cheesecake that tastes amazing and makes a striking impression at any event. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process of making this delightful treat.
Strawberry Jelly Cheesecake
Equipment
- 6 and 8-inch mousse cake mold
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup orea cookie crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
- 1/3 cup of cold water
For the Strawberry Garnish
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (tulip-shaped)
Clear Jello
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 envelopes (14g) of unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup cold water
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Combine Orea cookie crumbs and melted butter in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Cover the bottom of the 6-inch mousse cake mold with plastic wrap, and use acetate strips around the sides to make demolding easier.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 6-inch mousse cake mold to create an even crust.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/3 cup of water. Allow it to sit for five minutes to bloom.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat until well combined.
- Microwave the bloomed gelatin for about 10 seconds or until it fully dissolves.
- Cool the gelatin for a few minutes.
- Add the dissolved gelatin, to the whipped cream, and mix well.
- Fold the whipped cream-gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture and whip until soft peek.
- Take one cup of the mixture out and mix it with strawberry jam.
- Take the prepared crust from the refrigerator and pour half the cheesecake filling over it, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the strawberry jam mixture on top of the cream cheese filling.
- Place the pan back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until it is set.
- Take the cheesecake out of the refrigerator, arrange the diced strawberry on top, and pour in the rest of the cream cheese mixture. ( if the cheesecake mixture is too thick, put it in a microwave for a few minutes)
- Place the pan back in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or until it sets.
Clear jello
Bloom Gelatin
- Pour 1/3 cup of cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
- Add lemon juice, sugar, and hot water in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Add bloomed gelatin to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the cold water until well combined.
- Let the lemon jello cool completely to room temperature before using it.
Assemble the Cake
- After the cheesecake has been set, carefully remove it from the mold and arrange the sliced strawberries on the top and sides. Feel free to get creative with the design to make it look beautiful.
- Prepare the 7-8 inch mousse cake mold by tightly wrapping the bottom with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent the jello from leaking during the setting process. Additionally, use acetate strips on the sides of the mold to make it easier to remove the cake once it's set. Finally, seal the cake ring with tape, ensuring there are no openings for the jello to leak out.
- Place the cheesecake in the middle of the mold.
- To commence, carefully pour 1/4 cup of jelly to seal the seam at the base of the cake, thereby preventing any potential leaks. Place it in the refrigerator and set it completely, typically within 30 to 40 minutes. Once it sets, pour in the remaining lemon jello and refrigerate until fully set, about 5 hours or overnight for best results.
Unmold and Serve
- To remove the mold, gently run a knife around the edges and carefully remove it, or wrap it with a warm kitchen towel.Serve chilled, and enjoy your stunning fruit jelly cake!
