Cristina Ferrare’s Flawless Cheesecake with Fresh Berries: A #SundaySupper Delight
What a joy it is to be back at the virtual #SundaySupper table! After missing out last week due to the demanding pressures of a lengthy 20-page research paper, I’m thrilled to rejoin our wonderful community of food enthusiasts. This week, our culinary spotlight shines brightly on the esteemed Cristina Ferrare and her highly acclaimed cookbook. While I don’t yet have the pleasure of owning her cookbook, the buzz around it is undeniable, and I can certainly attest to the magic within her recipes after trying this incredible creation. I decided to delve into her world by making her signature cheesecake with fresh berries, and it absolutely exceeded every expectation.
Cristina Ferrare is a culinary personality whose warmth and expertise shine through in every dish. You can find her captivating audiences on the Oprah Winfrey Network, discovering new culinary inspirations on Foodily, and exploring a treasure trove of her recipes on her official website. Her commitment to delicious, approachable cooking truly makes her recipes a delight for home cooks. This cheesecake, in particular, stands as a testament to her skill. The filling is a masterpiece of texture – exquisitely smooth, delightfully creamy, and brightened with a perfect hint of lemon. It’s a symphony of flavors that truly sings on the palate. The grand finale involves a lavish topping of vibrant, fresh summer berries, all gleaming under a sweet, luscious glaze. It’s not just excellent; it’s an experience!
Baking a cheesecake can often feel like a high-stakes culinary gamble, with the dreaded crack being a common adversary. Many bakers, myself included, have experienced the heartbreak of pulling a seemingly perfect cheesecake from the oven, only for a fissure to appear as it cools. That’s why I was absolutely over the moon – truly, I felt like a culinary wizard – when I discovered that this was the very first cheesecake I had ever made that emerged completely flawless, without a single crack! The top was impeccably smooth, a pristine canvas just waiting for its berry adornment. My reaction was instantaneous and unrestrained: I found myself theatrically clapping with the unbridled joy of a small child. It’s incredible how a perfectly smooth cheesecake can bring such immense satisfaction and a profound sense of accomplishment. This cake, unequivocally, is a winner in every sense of the word, proving that with the right recipe and a little patience, baking perfection is indeed attainable.
The visual appeal of this cheesecake is almost as captivating as its taste. Imagine: a towering, creamy white cheesecake adorned with a generous scattering of vibrant, ruby-red strawberries and a medley of other fresh berries. And then, the glaze. Oooo, just look at that sweet strawberry sauce artfully dripping down the sides of the ripe berries, creating a mesmerizing cascade of color and shine. It’s truly a dreamy sight that promises an explosion of flavor with every spoonful. The glossy sheen of the jam not only enhances the berries’ natural beauty but also adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delicate texture that perfectly complements the rich, tangy cream cheese filling. Each berry bursts with juicy freshness, providing a delightful contrast to the smooth, luxurious cheesecake base. This dessert isn’t just food; it’s a feast for the eyes and a celebration of summer’s bounty.
As our #SundaySupper celebration draws to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Cristina Ferrare for sharing her incredible talent and this truly unforgettable cheesecake recipe with us. Her contributions make these gatherings so much richer and more delicious. This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories around the family table, sharing laughter, and indulging in moments of pure joy. I encourage everyone to try this recipe, gather your loved ones, and savor the experience of a homemade dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Enjoy your time, cherish these moments, and happy #SundaySupper!
Cristina Ferrare’s Cheesecake with Fresh Berries
Yield: 1 (10-inch) cheesecake – This recipe yields a generous 10-inch cheesecake, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days.
Total Time: 9 hours – This includes prep, bake, and crucial overnight cooling for the best texture and crack-free finish.
Prep Time: 8 hours – Mostly inactive cooling time, ensuring the cheesecake sets perfectly.
Cook Time: 1 hour – The active baking time for the cheesecake itself.
Ingredients:
Gathering your ingredients at the correct temperatures is crucial for the perfect cheesecake. Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 and 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs – The base of our delicious crust, providing a classic flavor.
- 1 cup pecans – Adds a wonderful nutty depth and a delightful crunch to the crust.
- 1/4 cup sugar – Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the creamy filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – A touch of warm spice that elevates the graham cracker and pecan flavors.
- 1/3 cup, plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crust ingredients together, ensuring a firm yet tender base.
Filling
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature – The star of the show! Room temperature is vital for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- 1 cup sugar – Provides the perfect sweetness balance to the tangy cream cheese.
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature – Act as an emulsifier and thickener, binding the filling. Add them one at a time for best results.
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature – Adds a touch of tang, moisture, and ensures an incredibly creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavor profile and cuts through the richness, giving that characteristic cheesecake zing.
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest – Provides an intense, aromatic lemon flavor without adding extra liquid.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – A classic enhancer that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, halved and arranged on top of the cake – The vibrant, fresh fruit offers a burst of natural sweetness and color. Feel free to mix with other berries like blueberries or raspberries!
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam – Creates a glossy, sweet glaze that enhances the berries and adds a professional finish.
Directions:
Follow these detailed steps carefully for a truly remarkable, crack-free cheesecake that will impress everyone at your table.
- Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at a consistent temperature when the cheesecake goes in, which is crucial for even baking.
- Craft the Perfect Crust: To make the graham cracker and pecan crust, take 1 cup of pecans and place them in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the pecans until they are finely ground, resembling coarse crumbs. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, your finely pulsed pecan crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Next, pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. This step is key for a cohesive crust. Using the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass or your fingers, firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom of a 10-inch by 3-inch springform pan. Ensure it’s packed tightly and evenly to prevent crumbling. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to set its structure, then remove it and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. A cool crust prevents the filling from becoming soggy.
- Whip Up the Creamy Filling: With your crust cooling, turn your attention to the luscious filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the three packages of room temperature cream cheese. Mix on medium speed for about two minutes until it’s smooth and creamy, stopping frequently to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This ensures no lumps remain. Gradually add the 1 cup of sugar in a slow, even stream, mixing for an additional two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Again, pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Now, incorporate the eggs one at a time. After each egg addition, mix just until it’s thoroughly incorporated into the batter, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as too much air can lead to cracks. Finally, add the sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Process on low speed until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is silky smooth. Give the sides of the bowl one last scrape to ensure everything is perfectly combined. Carefully pour the smooth filling into your completely cooled crust, spreading it evenly across the pan. Gently lift the springform pan and tap it firmly on your counter several times. This crucial step helps to release any trapped air bubbles in the batter, which can also contribute to cracking during baking.
- Bake and Cool to Perfection: Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the edges are set and the center of the cheesecake has only a slight jiggle when gently shaken. It’s very important not to overbake, as this is one of the most common causes of cheesecake cracks and a dry texture. Once baked, turn off the oven and prop the oven door open slightly, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven for at least one hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent drastic temperature changes that can shock the cheesecake and cause cracking. After this initial cooling, remove the cheesecake from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. For the best texture and to ensure it’s fully set and stable, cool the cake in the pan overnight in the refrigerator.
- Decorate and Serve: The next day, after the cheesecake has thoroughly chilled, carefully release the springform pan from around the cake. Arrange the halved fresh strawberries (or a medley of your favorite berries) attractively on top of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful, vibrant pattern. To add a professional sheen and an extra layer of sweetness, heat the 1/4 cup of strawberry jam in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, or until it’s melted and brushable. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the warmed jam over the arranged strawberries. This gives them a beautiful, glossy coating that truly elevates the presentation. Slice the cheesecake with a sharp, warm knife (wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices) and serve immediately. Enjoy this magnificent, homemade dessert!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.