Créme Frîache Cheesecake

Créme Frîache Cheesecake

Chef Jeremy
Cook time: 60 mins + 1 day prep work
Servings: 5-8
Difficulty: Intermediate

Introducing a creamy indulgence - our Crème Fraîche Cheesecake, topped with a luscious Fresh Strawberry Compote. We've taken the classic cheesecake and given it a tangy twist with crème fraîche, making it oh-so-creamy. Every forkful is a delightful blend of tangy and smooth, with a crust that's both crisp and buttery. But that's not all - our fresh strawberry compote adds a burst of sweet, juicy goodness that's perfect with every bite. It's a dessert that's both sophisticated and inviting, perfect for those who appreciate a little twist on a classic favorite. 

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What you'll learn

  • Achieve a smooth and lump-free consistency through proper mixing techniques, which is a valuable skill for many baked goods.
  • Learn how to control temperature and timing for a successful cheesecake.
  • Whip up a mouthwatering strawberry compote and find the sweet spot between sweetness and acidity to create a well-rounded taste experience.

Mise En Place

Knife
Chopping Board
Rubber Spatula
Parchment Paper
Pan Spray
Electric Mixer
Aluminum Foil
Sauce Pot
Bowl
Knife
Chopping Board
Rubber Spatula
Parchment Paper
Pan Spray
Electric Mixer
Aluminum Foil
Sauce Pot
Bowl

Shopping List

Crust Ingredients

Unsalted butter, 8 tbsp

Graham cracker crumbs, 1 1/2 cups

Brown sugar, 4 tbsp

Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp

Filling Ingredients

Cream cheese, 24 oz

Sugar, 1 cup + 2 tbsp

All purpose flour, 3 tbsp

Crème fraîche, 1/2 cup

Egg yolks, 4x

Whole eggs, 2x

Vanilla extract, 1 tsp

Zest of 1 lemon

Topping Ingredients

Strawberries, 1 pound

Lemon juice, 1x

Sugar, 3/4 cup

Cornstarch, 1/4 cup

Prep

  1. To Make The Crust
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  3. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray with pan spray.
  4. Wrap the bottom with aluminum foil. Because we’ll be using a bain-marie (water bath) method to cook this cheesecake, this will act as an added layer of protection against the water and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
  5. Melt the butter in your microwave or on your stovetop. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
  6. Once the mixture holds together, transfer to the lined springform pan and press to form an even layer across the bottom. Bake until just set, about 7–10 minutes.
  7. To Make The Filling
  8. Turn your oven to 325°F.
  9. In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until softened. Slowly incorporate the sugar and flour.
  10. Scrape down the bowl and mix for one minute more. Add the crème fraîche, then beat in the egg yolks, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  11. Scrape down the bowl and mix one more time to fully incorporate. Fold in the lemon zest. Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan and smooth out the top.
  12. Place the prepared pan in a 9x13 baking dish and move to the oven. While the dish is sitting in the oven, fill halfway with water.
  13. Bake in the water bath until there’s a slight jiggle and a toothpick inserted in the edge comes out mostly clean, about 1–1.5 hours.
  14. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 1 hour. Transfer to your refrigerator to chill overnight.

How to cook

  1. To Make the Fresh Strawberry Compote
  2. Stem and quarter the strawberries. Toss the quartered strawberries into a medium saucepan, along with the juice of 1 lemon.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cornstarch to combine.
  4. Mix the sugar and cornstarch into the berries, then cook over medium heat until the juices become transparent and start to thicken to a syrupy texture.
  5. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
  6. Remove the cooled cheesecake from your refrigerator and top with the strawberry topping.
  7. Warm your knife in a pitcher of hot water and wipe it with a towel before cutting each slice (this makes the slices much cleaner).
  8. Enjoy every last bite! It is superbly delicious on a Friday night in, relaxing into the sofa with a good movie and a bottle of Moscato d'Asti.