Introduction:
No-Bake White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake is a luscious, creamy dessert that combines the smoothness of white chocolate with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries. This cheesecake requires no oven, making it a perfect easy-to-make treat for warm days or special occasions.
The History of White Chocolate Cheesecake:
The concept of no-bake cheesecakes originated in the United States, providing an easy alternative to traditional baked cheesecakes. White chocolate, a confection made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, became a popular ingredient in desserts in the 20th century. Pairing it with strawberries, a classic dessert combination, results in a creamy, indulgent, and refreshing cheesecake that highlights the sweet and tart flavors of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Filling:
- 12 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks
- Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning the jam)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate to set.
- Make the White Chocolate Filling:
- Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fold the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the white chocolate filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the cheesecake is firm.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, warm the strawberry jam with water (if using) until smooth.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Drizzle the warm jam over the strawberries to glaze.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled.
Tips for the Perfect No-Bake White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when slicing.
Variations and Customizations:
- Mixed Berries: Use a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries for a more diverse fruit topping.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of dark chocolate ganache to the white chocolate filling for a marble effect.
- Nut Crust: Substitute the graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust, such as ground almonds or pecans.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- High in Fat and Sugar: This dessert is rich and indulgent, containing high amounts of sugar, cream, and white chocolate.
- Moderation is Key: Best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie content.
- Allergy Considerations: Contains dairy; can be modified with dairy-free alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.
FAQ:
- Can I make No-Bake White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake ahead of time?
- Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake?
- Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen (without the strawberry topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Why did my filling not set properly?
- Make sure the cream cheese mixture is fully combined and the cheesecake is chilled long enough to set.
- Can I use other types of chocolate?
- Yes, dark or milk chocolate can be used instead of white chocolate, but this will change the flavor profile.
No-Bake White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake
No-Bake White Chocolate & Strawberry Cheesecake is a creamy, indulgent dessert made with a graham cracker crust, smooth white chocolate filling, and fresh strawberry topping. This easy, no-bake recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 300 g digestives
- 150 g unsalted butter melted
Filling
- 560 g full fat cream cheese
- 125 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 ml double cream
- 300 g white chocolate melted
- 300 g fresh strawberries chopped
- Freeze dried strawberries
Decoration
- 50 g white chocolate melted
- 150 ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- Freeze dried strawberries
- White chocolate strawberries
Instructions
Base
- Blitz the biscuits in a food processor to a small crumb, and add the melted butter – either pulse in the food processor a few times till the mixture is combined, or mix it in a bowl
- Tip the biscuits into a 8″/20cm deep springform tin and press down firmly
Cheesecake
- Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave on short bursts until full melted
- Leave to cool whilst doing the rest
- In your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk together the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla together until smooth
- Pour in the double cream and whisk until thick!
- Once completed, pour in the cooled white chocolate, and whisk briefly to combine
- Fold through the chopped fresh strawberries and some freeze dried strawberries
- Spread the mix over the biscuit base, smooth over and chill in the fridge for at least 5-6 hours, or preferably overnight so it will definitely be set
Decoration
- Drizzle over the melted white chocolate
- Whip together the double cream and icing sugar and then pipe on in swirls! I used a 2D Closed Star Piping.
- I then add some fresh strawberries to the top (6 usually) and sprinkle on some white chocolate sprinkles and the freeze dried strawberries
- ENJOY!
Notes
- I recommend using a 8″/20cm deep springform tin in this recipe!
- You could easily serve this cheesecake with practically any fruit you like, but I find strawberries work exceptionally well