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Traditional No-Bake Cheesecake

Servings: 12
Comments:
Cheesecake in its classic form consists of a rich, smooth filling of cream cheese, eggs, and other enrichments or flavorings, baked inside a deep shell made from crushed graham crackers or cookies. Serve it with fresh fruit or preserved fruit (such as jarred cherries in syrup), or it's just as lovely served alone or with a dollop of whipped cream.

In this very simple cheesecake recipe, eggs are not used as the filling is not baked. Unflavored gelatin is used to "set" the cheesecake and to help it firm up without having to bake it.

This cheesecake recipe is so basic and easy to make that you will grab the recipe time and time again when you need a dessert that is easy but also very very delicious.

Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick/2 oz./56g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Filling:
2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

For Serving: (optional)
1 jar cherries in syrup

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees C.

To Make the Crust:
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and lemon zest, and process to mix well. Add the melted and cooled butter and process until the crumbs begin to stick together. Drape your hand with plastic wrap to form a glove, and press the crumbs evenly and firmly over the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch x 2 1/2-inch in depth springform pan. Bake the crust 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

To Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well blended. Beat in 1/2 cup of the heavy cream and the vanilla until incorporated.

Place the water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let soften for 5 minutes. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir until the gelatin is dissolved, then gradually whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add the gelatin mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute. Spoon the filling into the cooled crust. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.

To Serve:
Run a knife around the pan sides to loosen the cake. Release the pan sides and place the cake on a plate. Cut the cake into individual slices and if desired, spoon cherries and a bit of syrup over each slice.

Makes 12 servings.

Date: May 20, 2007