Berry Berry Berry Cheesecake

Published by Robert Rose

This image courtesy of Joseph DeLeo

This cheesecake bursts with the flavor of three different kinds of berries folded into the batter.

NotesWash and dry berries completely before using.

If you must substitute frozen berries, fold them in while still frozen.

Serves10 to 12

Cooking Methodbaking

CostModerate

Total Timehalf-day

Make Ahead RecipeYes

Kid FriendlyYes

OccasionBuffet, Family Get-together

Recipe Coursedessert

Dietary Considerationegg-free, peanut free, soy free, tree nut free

Equipmentelectric mixer

Mealbrunch, dinner

Taste and Texturecheesy, creamy, fruity, rich, sweet, tangy, tart

Type of Dishcheesecake

1½ (375 mL) cups butter cookie crumbs
3 tbsp (45 mL) unsalted butter, melted
1 packet (¼ oz/7.5 g) powdered unflavored gelatin
¼ cup (50 mL) milk
2 packages (each 8 oz/250 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla extract (10 mL)
1 cup (250 mL) whipping (35%) cream, whipped
1 cup (250 mL) fresh strawberries, crushed
1 cup (250 mL) fresh blackberries, crushed
1 cup (250 mL) fresh raspberries, crushed
Classic Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup (250 mL) mixed berries (such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries)
9-inch (23 cm) cheesecake pan, ungreased, or springform pan with 3-inch (7.5 cm) sides, greased

Crust: In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of cheesecake pan and freeze.
Filling: Sprinkle gelatin over milk in a small saucepan and let stand for 1 minute. Stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until very smooth, for 3 minutes. Slowly mix in dissolved gelatin. Mix in lemon juice and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream by hand. Fold in crushed berries.
Pour over frozen crust, smoothing out to sides of pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before decorating or serving. Run a hot knife around edge of pan to loosen.
Decoration: Ice top of cake with Classic Whipped Cream Topping or pipe rosettes around top of cake, if desired. Garnish with berries.