Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecake is a delightful and luscious dessert that combines the smooth and creamy goodness of cheesecake with the fresh and fruity flavors of strawberries. This dessert is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite among cheesecake enthusiasts and fruit lovers alike.

The history of cheesecake dates back thousands of years to ancient Greece, where it was believed to be served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. The modern version of cheesecake, as we know it today, evolved in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, where cream cheese became widely available and started to replace the traditional cheese used in ancient recipes.

Strawberries, on the other hand, have been enjoyed for their delicious taste and vibrant color for centuries. Native to various parts of the world, strawberries have long been used in desserts and culinary creations. Combining strawberries with cheesecake became a popular practice in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.

The Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecake offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, with the creaminess of the cheesecake complementing the juicy sweetness of strawberries. It has become a classic dessert, often enjoyed during special occasions, holidays, and family gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

Base:

• 200g gluten-free digestive biscuits
• 100g unsalted butter, melted

Vanilla Layer:

• 300g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g icing sugar
• 4-5 strawberries, chopped into chunks

Mousse Layer:

• 135g pack of strawberry or raspberry jelly cubes
• 100ml boiling water
• 200g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 200ml evaporated milk
• 100g icing sugar

Decoration:

• 400g strawberries, sliced
• Zest of 1 orange

INSTRUCTIONS

Base:

1. Put the gluten-free digestive biscuits into a large bowl and crush them into crumbs using the end of a rolling pin.
2. Mix in the melted unsalted butter until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a 20cm diameter loose-bottomed cake tin and push it down to create the base. Place the tin in the fridge to chill.

Vanilla Layer:

1. In a bowl, add 300g of Philadelphia cream cheese and whisk until it becomes smooth and loosened in consistency.
2. Add the vanilla extract and 100g of icing sugar to the cream cheese, then whisk again until well combined.
3. Chop about 4-5 strawberries into chunks and gently stir them into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Take the biscuit base out of the fridge and spread this vanilla layer on top. Return the tin to the fridge.

Mousse Layer:

1. Chop the jelly cubes into chunks and mix them with 100ml of boiling water until the jelly is dissolved. Set it aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, add the remaining 200g of Philadelphia cream cheese and whisk it until smooth.
3. Whisk in the remaining 100g of icing sugar, and then whisk in the evaporated milk.
4. Finally, add the dissolved jelly mixture to the cream cheese and whisk until fully incorporated.
5. Pour this mousse layer onto the top of the cheesecake and put it back in the fridge to set for at least an hour.

Decoration:

1. Once the mousse layer has set, decorate the cheesecake with sliced strawberries. Carefully slide the cheesecake out of the cake tin onto a plate.
2. Slice the strawberries into thin slices and arrange them in a circle around the cheesecake, starting from the outside and working your way in. Overlay the strawberries to create a beautiful pattern.
3. Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with the zest of one orange.
4. Your Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecake is now ready to serve and delight your taste buds!

Enjoy this delightful and visually appealing dessert with your loved ones, and savor the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake and the vibrant sweetness of strawberries. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration!