Craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush is a no-bake dream come true, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake filling, tangy strawberries, and a buttery biscuit base – a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is ideal for those busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dessert, or for a special occasion where you want something truly spectacular. Let’s get started on this simple yet impressive recipe for a truly delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients:
For the Biscuit Base:
- 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)
- 80g unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 500g cream cheese, softened
- 100g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200ml double cream (heavy cream), whipped
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, adjust to strawberry sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor and prevents browning)
Instructions:
Making the Biscuit Base:
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a strong bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Add the melted butter to the biscuit crumbs and mix well until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 20cm square baking dish or similar sized dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create an even layer.
- Refrigerate the base while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the icing sugar until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer makes this step much easier.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Carefully fold in the whipped double cream until just combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the cream.
Assembling the Lush:
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice (if using).
- Arrange the strawberries on top of the cheesecake filling. You can create a neat layer or a more rustic arrangement, depending on your preference.
- Refrigerate the Strawberry Cheesecake Lush for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don't overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can make it too dense.
- If your strawberries aren't very sweet, feel free to add more sugar to taste.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and double cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves before serving for an elegant touch.
Variations:
- Other berries: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry combination.
- Chocolate swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the cheesecake filling for a decadent twist.
- Digestive biscuit alternative: Use shortbread biscuits or graham crackers for the base.
- Citrus zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for extra zing.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. Use a nutritional calculator for a more precise estimate based on your specific ingredients. However, this dessert is generally high in fat and sugar, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Lush recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking for easy recipes, healthy meal alternatives (in moderation), and quick dinner ideas to end the day with a delightful homemade dessert. Enjoy!