Description
Delightful no-bake white chocolate cheesecakes mingle creamy richness with spiced holiday fruit. Festive desserts from European kitchens promise sweet indulgence that delights seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) white chocolate chips, melted
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 cup (240 ml) red wine
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen mixed berries
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker or digestive biscuit crumbs
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into uniform, fine crumbs, blending with melted butter and sugar until the mixture achieves a cohesive, sandy consistency that will form a sturdy base for the dessert.
- Base Setting: Meticulously press the crumb mixture into individual serving glasses, ensuring an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for the creamy cheesecake filling.
- Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until smooth and velvety, gradually incorporating white chocolate, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to create a luxurious, silky mixture with no lumps.
- Gelatin Stabilization: Dissolve gelatin in warm water, carefully folding it into the cream cheese mixture to provide structural integrity and ensure a perfect set for the no-bake cheesecake.
- Filling Distribution: Gently pour the pristine white chocolate cheesecake mixture over the chilled graham cracker base, using a spatula to achieve a flawless, even surface.
- Mulled Wine Fruit Topping: Simmer red wine with cinnamon, star anise, and orange zest, then poach a medley of seasonal fruits until they become tender and infused with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Chilling and Finishing: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecakes for several hours until completely set, then garnish with the mulled wine-infused fruits, creating a stunning and sophisticated dessert presentation.
Notes
- Create Uniform Crumbs: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor for consistent, fine texture to ensure even base distribution and smooth mouthfeel.
- Press Base Firmly: Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to compact crumb mixture, preventing crumbling and creating a stable foundation.
- Chill Base Completely: Refrigerate base for at least 15-20 minutes before adding cheesecake filling to help it set properly and maintain structural integrity.
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat dried fruits thoroughly after mulling to avoid excess liquid seeping into the cheesecake layer, which could compromise texture and stability.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg