Description
This Strawberry Basil Swirl Cheesecake is a delightful dessert combining creamy cheesecake with a vibrant strawberry-basil coulis. It’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Graham Crackers, Finely Crushed: Use a food processor for consistent texture.
- 80g (3oz) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Binds the crust.
- 25g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for crust): Adds subtle sweetness.
- 600g (21oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Full-fat for richness; soften to avoid lumps.
- 150g (¾ cup) Granulated Sugar (for filling): Adjust to taste.
- 3 Large Eggs: Add one at a time, mix gently.
- 120g (½ cup) Sour Cream: Full-fat for best texture.
- 5ml (1 tsp) Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
- 150g (1 cup) Fresh Strawberries, Pureed: Use ripe, sweet strawberries.
- 5ml (1 Tbsp) Lemon Juice (for filling): Brightens flavors.
- 200g (1 cup) Fresh Strawberries, Hulled: For the coulis.
- 6 Fresh Basil Leaves, Packed: Adds herbaceous notes.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for coulis): Sweetens the coulis.
- 5ml (1 tsp) Lemon Juice (for coulis): Enhances strawberry flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves, Torn (garnish): For freshness.
- Strawberry Slices (garnish): For visual appeal.
- 15g (2 Tbsp) Sliced Toasted Almonds (garnish): Adds crunch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F), line a 23cm (9-inch) springform pan with parchment.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: Mix graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press and Bake Crust: Press into pan, bake for 10 minutes, cool.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mix gently.
- Add Remaining Filling: Stir in sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and strawberry puree.
- Make Strawberry-Basil Coulis: Blend strawberries, basil, sugar, and lemon juice; strain if desired.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Layer batter and coulis, swirl gently.
- Water Bath Baking: Place pan in a water bath, bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Cooling Process: Cool in oven for 1 hour, then refrigerate.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil, strawberries, and almonds.
Notes
For a crack-free cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and use a water bath. Gradual cooling is also key.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesecake,strawberry,basil,dessert,swirl,baking,summer,fruit,easy