Strawberry Basil Swirl Cheesecake

Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors? This Strawberry Basil Swirl Cheesecake is a showstopper! The creamy richness of the cheesecake is beautifully balanced by the sweet tang of strawberries and the subtle, herbaceous notes of basil. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply to brighten up your day. This recipe combines a classic cheesecake base with a vibrant swirl of homemade strawberry-basil coulis, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious dessert. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable cheesecake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 200g (7oz) Graham Crackers, Finely Crushed: We’re using graham crackers to create a classic, buttery crust. Ensure they are finely crushed – a food processor works best – to achieve a consistent texture that will hold together well. You can also use digestive biscuits if graham crackers aren’t available.
• 80g (3oz) Unsalted Butter, Melted: The melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a firm and flavorful crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cheesecake.
• 2 Tbsp (25g) Granulated Sugar (for crust): A touch of sugar in the crust adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
• 600g (21oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: The star of the show! Full-fat cream cheese is essential for a rich and creamy cheesecake. Make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
• 150g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar (for filling): This provides the primary sweetness for the cheesecake filling. Adjust slightly to your preference, but be mindful that the strawberry coulis will also contribute sweetness.
• 3 Large Eggs: Eggs add structure and richness to the cheesecake. They should be added one at a time and mixed in gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a cracked cheesecake.
• 120g (½ cup) Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a delightful tang and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake, adding warmth and depth.
• 150g (1 cup) Fresh Strawberries, Pureed: These strawberries are blended into a puree and incorporated directly into the cheesecake batter, providing a subtle strawberry flavor throughout. Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste.
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) Lemon Juice (for filling): A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
• 200g (1 cup) Fresh Strawberries, Hulled: These strawberries are used to make the vibrant strawberry-basil coulis. Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the most flavorful sauce.
• 6 Fresh Basil Leaves, Packed: Fresh basil adds a unique herbaceous note to the coulis, complementing the sweetness of the strawberries.
• 30g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for coulis): This sweetens the strawberry-basil coulis, balancing the tartness of the strawberries and lemon juice.
• 1 tsp (5ml) Lemon Juice (for coulis): Lemon juice enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a touch of acidity to the coulis.
• 4–5 Fresh Basil Leaves, Torn (garnish): These are used as a beautiful and fragrant garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
• 6–8 Thin Strawberry Slices (garnish): Thinly sliced strawberries provide a visually appealing garnish and reinforce the strawberry flavor.
• 2 Tbsp (15g) Sliced Toasted Almonds (garnish): Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, providing a textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for optimal flavor, here are a few substitutions you can make if needed:

• Graham Crackers: Digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies can be used as a substitute for graham crackers in the crust.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, but it may result in a slightly tangier cheesecake.
• Fresh Strawberries: In a pinch, you can use frozen strawberries for the coulis, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Basil Swirl Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). This lower temperature is crucial for preventing the cheesecake from cracking. Line the bottom of a 23cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the cheesecake later.
2. Combine Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the finely crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Ensure the crumbs are evenly coated with butter – this will help them bind together.
3. Press and Bake the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a compact, even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. This pre-baking sets the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 150g of granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy. It’s vital that the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Beat for several minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing *just* until each egg is incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
6. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and strawberry puree. Mix until everything is well combined, but again, avoid overmixing. The strawberry puree will give the cheesecake a beautiful pink hue and a subtle strawberry flavor.
7. Make the Strawberry-Basil Coulis: In a blender, combine the 200g of fresh strawberries, packed basil leaves, 30g of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth and silky. For a perfectly smooth coulis, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. Chill the coulis while you assemble the cheesecake.
8. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Then, gently drizzle half of the chilled strawberry-basil coulis over the batter. Using a skewer or knife, create gentle ribbons by swirling the coulis into the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and coulis, aiming for distinct green-pink swirls.
9. Water Bath Baking: Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, reaching halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. This water bath creates a humid environment, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.
10. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. The jiggle is a good sign – it means the cheesecake is still moist and will continue to set as it cools.
11. Cooling Process: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling process further prevents cracking.
12. Chill and Set: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.
13. Garnish and Serve: To serve, run a thin stream of the remaining strawberry-basil coulis around each plate. Carefully slide a slice of cheesecake onto the plate. Garnish with torn basil leaves, fresh strawberry slices, and toasted almond slivers for added texture and visual appeal.

The Science Behind the Swirl: Why Strawberry and Basil Work

The combination of strawberry and basil isn’t just delicious; it’s a classic pairing rooted in flavor chemistry. Strawberries offer a bright, sweet acidity, while basil contributes a peppery, slightly minty freshness. The basil’s essential oils complement the fruity esters in strawberries, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile. The swirl technique isn’t just for aesthetics; it ensures that every bite delivers a balanced blend of both flavors. The coulis, made with fresh ingredients, provides an intense burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake.

Tips for a Crack-Free Cheesecake

Achieving a perfectly smooth, crack-free cheesecake requires attention to detail. The key is to avoid overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air. Using a water bath is essential for even baking and preventing the edges from drying out too quickly. Gradual cooling – first in the oven with the door ajar, then in the refrigerator – minimizes temperature shock, which can cause cracking. Finally, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating it, as this will help create a smooth, lump-free batter.

Strawberry Selection and Preparation

For the best flavor, use ripe, fragrant strawberries. Local, in-season strawberries will have the most intense flavor. When pureeing the strawberries for the filling and coulis, remove the green hulls first. If you prefer a completely smooth coulis, straining it through a fine-mesh sieve will remove any seeds. Don’t discard the strawberry pulp from the sieve; you can use it in smoothies or jams!

Variations and Adaptations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can substitute other berries for the strawberries, such as raspberries or blueberries. For a different herbal note, try using mint instead of basil. If you prefer a less tangy cheesecake, reduce the amount of lemon juice. You can also add a layer of crushed biscotti or shortbread cookies to the bottom of the crust for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! Cheesecake actually benefits from being made a day or two in advance, as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular pie dish, but it will be more difficult to remove the cheesecake cleanly. Line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to help lift the cheesecake out.

A Sweet Ending

This Strawberry Basil Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy texture, the vibrant flavors, and the beautiful swirl make it a showstopper. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Pin it here!

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