The Ultimate Cheesecake

Ingredients
Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 
2 tablespoons sugar 
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted 

Filling:
5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 
1 1/3 cups sugar 
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
3 large eggs 
1/2 cup sour cream 
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel 
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

Topping:
1 egg white 
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup sour cream 
1/2 cup raspberry preserves
1/2 cup apricot preserves 
1 cup assorted fresh fruit, chopped 
Directions
PREPARING THE CRUST 
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter; stir to combine. 
Press crumb mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Chill 30 minutes. 

MAKING THE FILLING 
Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat cream cheese for 2 minutes; add sugar. 
Gradually add flour; mix until combined. On low speed, beat in eggs, one at a time, until just blended. Add sour cream, lemon peel and vanilla; beat until just blended. Pour into crust. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove cake from oven; cool for 15 minutes. 
Meanwhile, beat egg white until frothy; add sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Fold in sour cream until blended. Spread on top of cake. 
Return cake to oven; bake until topping IS set, not browned, about 20 minutes. Turn off oven; let cheesecake sit for 1 hour with oven door ajar. Place cake on wire rack to cool completely. 

MAKING THE TOPPING 
Using tip of a knife, score a "ying¬yang" design on top of cheesecake. 
Place preserves in microwave-safe bowls. Microwave on HIGH until preserves are thin, about 45 seconds. 
Spoon preserves onto each half of design. With back of a spoon, spread preserves to fill each section. Arrange fruit on top of cake. Chill until ready to serve


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Desserts

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