Heart-shaped cheesecake
Among our recipes - which perhaps can be defined more accurately as ‘aces up your sleeve’! - we have many for those romantic moments which you simply cannot let pass without a touch of elegance and passion. Today we have a heart-shaped cheesecake for you, a delicious dessert perfect for Valentine's Day. Prepared with a lovely biscuit base and an irresistible cream cheese filling, you can decorate the cheesecake with your favourite berries. In this case we use blackberries (you can also add a gelatine-based topping) but it is also gorgeous with strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Keep each layer in the fridge for the right length of time to ensure the cheesecake comes out at its best. This delicious dessert can be served to round off the most romantic evening of the year, with a generous sprinkling of icing sugar and lots of fresh fruits to decorate.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Place the heart-shaped moulds on a tray lined with baking parchment and then make the biscuit base by mixing crumbled biscuits with brown sugar and melted butter. Mix until you have a compact consistency and then cover the bottom of each mould to a thickness of about 1 cm. Place in the freezer for an hour. Meanwhile, make the middle layer by mixing together the fresh cheese, icing sugar and vanilla. Fill a pastry bag with the mixture and make a second layer of at least 1 cm on top of the biscuit base. Decorate with blackberries and place still in the fridge for 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to set. Shortly before removing the mould from the refrigerator, made the topping. Wet the gelatine in cold water for a few minutes. Squeeze it and add to the cherry liquor water which you have gently warmed. Dissolve the gelatine in the water, let it cool and then pour it into the moulds to complete the third layer. Place in fridge for at least 3 hours.
Step by step
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Make the first layer of crumbled biscuits in the heart-shaped mould
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Level off the biscuits with a spoon
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Make the cheese filling with cream cheese and icing sugar
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Make a second layer with a pastry sack
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Level the cream cheese well
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Decorate the cream cheese layer with berries of your choice
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Dissolve the gelatine in the cherry liquor
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Make the third layer of gelatine and level off
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Leave to cool for at least 3 hours, then sprinkle with icing sugar and serve
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Additional information
Heart of cheesecake with fresh blackberries
One of the most delicious variations of the heart of cheesecake is certainly the one with fresh blackberries. This berry, with its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the cheesecake, creating a contrast of flavors that makes the dish even more interesting. To prepare this version, simply add fresh blackberries to the cream cheese before pouring it into heart-shaped molds. Alternatively, you can use the blackberries to decorate the surface of the cheesecake, creating a very appealing visual effect. This preparation is not only delicious but also offers a touch of freshness that can make the dessert ideal for warm summer days. Try serving the heart of cheesecake with a blackberry coulis for an even more intense experience!
Venetian heart of cheesecake
The culinary tradition of Veneto offers numerous variations of desserts, and the heart of cheesecake is no exception. To make this dessert typical of Veneto, you can use local ingredients, such as artisanal ricotta cheese. This variation stands out for the use of liqueur, which can be a good passito wine or a fruit liqueur, to give an additional aromatic touch to the cream cheese. The base remains the same, with McVitie's Digestive biscuits, but the addition of a bit of liqueur in the cream will make the dessert even richer and more enveloping. Serving the heart of cheesecake with a local fruit sauce, such as cherry or plum sauce, can further enhance the flavors of this preparation.
Light heart of cheesecake without sugar
For those who want a lighter version of the heart of cheesecake, it is possible to prepare a sugar-free recipe by replacing cane sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. The biscuit base can also be made using whole grain or sugar-free biscuits to further reduce calories. This light version does not compromise on taste but allows you to enjoy a healthier dessert, perfect for those following a diet. Additionally, you can opt for low-fat ricotta and light cream cheese, maintaining creaminess without exceeding calories. Thus, the heart of cheesecake becomes a dessert suitable even for those who need to pay attention to their diet.
Benefits of blackberries and nutritional information of the heart of cheesecake
Blackberries, the main ingredient of this preparation, are a true treasure trove of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these berries help strengthen the immune system and improve skin health. Moreover, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a balanced diet. A classic heart of cheesecake, per serving, can contain about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing lighter variations, such as those with natural sweeteners and low-calorie ingredients, it is possible to enjoy this dessert in a healthier way without sacrificing flavor.
Can the heart of cheesecake be frozen?
The question of whether the heart of cheesecake can be frozen is very common among those who love to prepare desserts in advance. The answer is yes! This dessert freezes well, but it is important to follow some precautions. Before freezing, make sure it is completely cooled and, if possible, let it set in the refrigerator for a few hours. Once ready, wrap each heart of cheesecake in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When it's time to consume it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This way, you can enjoy a dessert that is always fresh and delicious, even after a few weeks!