Cherry Cheesecake (baked)

Prep time

~30 minutes Chilling time: At least 6 hours (preferably overnight)

Baking time

70 minutes (10 minutes for the crust + 60 minutes for the cheesecake)

Total time

~8 hours 30 minutes

Serves

8 slices

Calories

~420 kcal

🍓Ingredients

For the crust:

• 200 g plain biscuits (graham crackers or digestive biscuits), finely crushed
• 80 g butter, melted

For the filling:

• 250 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 200 ml heavy whipping cream
• 100 g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a firmer texture)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Optional flavor variations:

• Fruit purée
• Nutella
• Lotus spread
• Chocolate cream, or any flavored spread of your choice

🥧Instructions

1. Prepare the crust

Preheat the oven to 160 °C (320 °F).

Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press firmly into the bottom of a 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then allow the crust to cool slightly.

2. Make the filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add the sugar and mix until fully dissolved.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract, whipping cream, cornstarch (if using), and lemon juice until smooth, taking care not to overmix.

3. Add your flavor (optional)

For flavored cheesecakes, gently fold your preferred fruit purée, Nutella, pistachio cream, Lotus spread, chocolate cream, or any flavored spread into the filling until evenly combined.

4. Bake

Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour.

5. Chill and serve

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its creamy texture.