Cheesecake with Cherries

Cheesecake with cherries is a delightful dessert that combines a rich, creamy filling with sweet, tart cherries. This dessert is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. The smooth cheesecake sits on a buttery crust, and the cherry topping adds a pop of color and flavor. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe will surely impress.

Why Make This Recipe

Making cheesecake with cherries at home is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert. It allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Plus, the combination of flavors—from the creamy cheesecake to the sweet cherries—creates a delicious treat that everyone loves. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and can be a fun activity for the whole family.

How to Make Cheesecake with Cherries

Ingredients:

150 g flour (Type 405)
60 g powdered sugar
100 g butter
1/2 egg (size M)
1 jar of cherries (drained weight: 350 g)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons sugar
60 g butter
250 g sugar
3 eggs (size M)
2 packets vanilla pudding powder
200 ml milk
1 kg quark (20% fat)
A little flour for the pan

Directions:

For the base, mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add the egg last. Knead the dough by hand and let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Grease a springform pan (Ø 26 cm) lightly and dust it with a little flour. Roll out the chilled dough and place it in the pan.
Drain the cherries in a sieve and save the cherry juice. Mix 3 tablespoons of this juice with cornstarch and sugar. Bring the rest of the cherry juice to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling juice to make a pudding. Fold in the cherries and let it cool slightly.
Pour the cherry filling onto the dough base. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius (or 140 degrees with fan). Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time. Mix the vanilla pudding powder with milk until smooth and add it to the mixture. Fold in the quark and pour this batter over the cherry filling. Bake the cheesecake for about 50 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before removing it from the pan and serving. This cake makes about 12 pieces.

How to Serve Cheesecake with Cherries

Serve the cheesecake chilled, straight from the refrigerator. You can garnish it with extra cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

How to Store Cheesecake with Cherries

To keep your cheesecake fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 4-5 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Cheesecake with Cherries

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
For a firmer texture, increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness toward the end.
Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking on the surface.

Variation

You can try different fruit toppings instead of cherries, like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Adjust the sweetness according to the fruit you choose. Additionally, you can incorporate a hint of lemon zest into the filling for a citrus twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use cream cheese or ricotta instead of quark for a different flavor and texture.

Q2: Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?
A2: Yes, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q3: How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
A3: Avoid overmixing the batter, and bake it in a water bath to create steam which helps keep it moist. Let it cool gradually to minimize cracking.