Passion Fruit Cheesecake is a luscious and exotic dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the tangy and tropical flavor of passion fruit. This delightful treat brings together the rich and velvety texture of cheesecake with the refreshing and zesty taste of passion fruit, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy unique and exciting dessert experiences.

The passion fruit, native to South America, has a long history of use by indigenous cultures. It was named “passion fruit” by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, who believed that the flower’s unique structure represented symbols of Christ’s passion and crucifixion. Since then, passion fruit has become popular worldwide for its distinct flavor and versatility in various culinary applications.

Cheesecake, on the other hand, has a history that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was made with simple ingredients like cheese, honey, and wheat. Over time, cheesecake evolved, and different regions put their own twists on the recipe, resulting in various styles of cheesecakes enjoyed globally.

The combination of passion fruit and cheesecake is a modern fusion of flavors, showcasing the creativity and culinary exploration of bakers and chefs. The tangy and sweet taste of passion fruit complements the smooth and creamy cheesecake, creating a delightful contrast of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 1¾ cups crushed graham crackers or malt crackers
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Sauce:

• 2 170g canned passion fruit pulp
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 4 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water

Cheesecake:

• 3 packs cream cheese, softened
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups thickened cream or whipped cream, chilled
• 4 tsp unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 500g canned lychees, drained and chopped

Topping:

• 8 pcs lychees

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust:

1. Combine the crushed graham crackers or malt crackers, melted unsalted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix well until the butter is evenly spread throughout the crushed crackers.
2. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
3. Chill the crust in the fridge for around 20 minutes to set.

Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch and water, mixing well to dissolve the cornstarch.
2. Add the passion fruit pulp and caster sugar to the saucepan. Mix well, then heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside to cool down.

Cheesecake:

1. Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until thoroughly combined.
2. Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in hot water, then let it cool for a while. Once cooled down, add it to the cream cheese mixture and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy.
3. Add the chilled thickened cream or whipped cream and chopped lychees to the cream cheese mixture. Fold the ingredients until evenly mixed.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust in the pie pan.
5. Top the cheesecake with the passion fruit sauce and the lychees.
6. Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to set.

Passion Fruit Cheesecake is a delightful and tropical dessert that brings the vibrant flavors of passion fruit together with the classic indulgence of cheesecake. Enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family, savoring the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and zesty tanginess!