Classic Baked Cheesecake with Berries

Classic Baked Cheesecake with Berries

Ingredients

• 🧈 Crust:

• 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

• 🧀 Cheesecake Filling:

• 600g cream cheese, softened (e.g., Philadelphia)
• 200g granulated sugar
• 200ml sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for smooth texture)

• 🍓 Berry Topping:

• 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).

2. Combine crushed biscuits, melted butter, and brown sugar.

3. Press firmly into the base of a 20–22cm springform pan.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

5. Let it cool while preparing the filling.

2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour; mix until combined

3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing gently after each until smooth (do not overmix).

4. Pour the mixture onto the cooled crust.

3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake

1. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with foil (to prevent leaks).

2. Place the pan in a larger baking tray filled with hot water (water bath method).

3. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.

4. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

5. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

4️⃣ Make the Berry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, and water

2. Heat gently for 5–7 minutes until berries release juice.

3. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water and simmer until slightly thickened.

4. Cool completely before spooning over the chilled cheesecake.

5️⃣ Serve

Remove cheesecake from the pan carefully.

Spoon the cooled berry sauce on top.

Garnish with fresh berries.

Dust lightly with cocoa powder or icing sugar if desired.

💡 Tips:

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a silky texture.

Avoid overbaking — the center should still wobble slightly.

Chill overnight for the best flavor and firmness.