Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Black Sesame Red Velvet Cheesecake, a delightful fusion of rich, velvety cheesecake and the nutty depth of black sesame. Topped with a fresh strawberry glaze, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a unique twist on a classic cheesecake.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups black sesame cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- Red food coloring (a few drops for desired color)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s ready to hold the crust and cheesecake layers.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the black sesame cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the greased springform pan, forming an even crust layer. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheesecake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
Next, incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition for a smooth texture. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is well-blended. Finally, sift in the cocoa powder and add a few drops of red food coloring, mixing until the batter achieves a rich red hue.
4. Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour the red velvet cheesecake batter over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight wobble, and the top appears slightly dry.
5. Cool the Cheesecake:
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar. Allow it to cool gradually for about 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking. Afterward, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is fully set.
6. Prepare the Topping:
Arrange the sliced strawberries in an even layer on top of the chilled cheesecake. Warm the strawberry jam in the microwave for a few seconds until it becomes spreadable. Brush the jam over the strawberries to create a glossy, attractive finish.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
Calories: 450 per slice
Servings: 12
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this Black Sesame Red Velvet Cheesecake, a dessert that’s sure to impress with its stunning presentation and decadent taste.