Step-by-step instructions
1️⃣ Make the Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8" cake pan with parchment (don’t grease the sides). Heat the milk, oil, and salt in a small saucepan until it’s warm, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and gradually incorporate the sugar until stiff peaks form. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then gently fold in the flour. Temper the batter with the warm milk-oil mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for about 30 minutes, or until springy to touch. After cooling in the pan for 10 minutes, transfer it out and let it cool completely. Slice a 1/2" thick round for the base and reserve the rest for crumbs.
2️⃣ Make the Baked Cheesecake: Reduce your oven temperature to 300°F. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and salt until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing until combined. Gently stir in the sour cream and flour until the mixture is smooth. Pour this over your sponge cake base in a 6" ring, and bake using a water bath for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
3️⃣ Make the Strawberry Gelee: Bloom the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes. Heat the strawberry puree, elderflower syrup, and sugar in a saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat and stir the bloomed gelatin into the mixture. Let it cool for 10 minutes before pouring it over the set cheesecake layer. Return to the refrigerator to chill.
4️⃣ Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse: Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and chill. To bloom the gelatin, mix it with the cold milk. In a double boiler, combine egg yolk, sugar, and elderflower syrup, cooking until thickened (about 155°F). Remove from heat and add in the gelatin. Fold in the cream cheese and strawberry puree, then strain to remove any lumps. Finally, fold in the whipped cream and pour this over the chilled gelee layer. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
5️⃣ Finish the Cake: Prepare strawberry whipped cream by whipping cream with the ground freeze-dried strawberries until you reach medium-firm peaks. Crumble the reserved sponge cake, mixing it with the ground freeze-dried strawberries. Frost the chilled cake with strawberry whipped cream, pressing the crumbs onto the sides. Garnish with fresh strawberries and pipe extra whipped cream on top for a finished look. Enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve your Strawberry Double Cheese Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside fresh berries for an eye-catching plate. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity herbal tea to elevate the dessert experience. For a unique twist, drizzle a little more elderflower syrup over each slice just before serving for additional floral notes.
How to store
To keep any leftovers fresh, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the cheesecake and freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Properly stored, it should hold well for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature to facilitate a smooth batter without lumps.
- Soak the Gelatin Well: Take care to bloom the gelatin properly to achieve the right texture in your gelee and mousse layers.
- Layering Perfection: Allow each layer to cool completely before adding the next to prevent them from mixing together.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with your cheesecake! Consider incorporating mango or passion fruit puree for the gelee layer in place of strawberry, and use lemon zest to add a refreshing citrus flavor. You can even create a chocolate version by using chocolate cheesecake layers and a dark chocolate mousse topping, topped with raspberry sauce for a rich flavor contrast.
FAQs
How long does the preparation take?
The total preparation time for this cheesecake is approximately 1-2 hours, but remember that it needs several hours to chill before serving.
Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches would work beautifully in the place of strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Is this cheesecake gluten-free?
You can make this cheesecake gluten-free by substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your ingredients, like the cream cheese and sour cream, are gluten-free as well!
Now it’s time to give this delightful Strawberry Double Cheese Cheesecake a try! Enjoy the process of creating this gorgeous dessert, and savor every delicious bite.
