If you’re a fan of desserts that pack a punch, then this Vanilla Cheesecake with Habanero Berry Jam Sauce is sure to wow your taste buds. The rich, creamy vanilla cheesecake pairs beautifully with a unique twist: a spicy-sweet habanero berry jam sauce that adds depth and a bit of heat. It’s the perfect combination of indulgent sweetness and fiery spice, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion
Serves: 8-10
Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 55-60 minutes
Chill: 6-8 hours
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 14 crackers)
½ cup butter
½ cup sugar
CheeseCake:
3 ½ (8oz) containers cream cheese
4 eggs
½ cups heavy cream
3 tbsp vanilla
¼ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup lemon juice
5-6 fresh strawberries
Berry Sauce:
1 cup Profanity Jam Berry Habanero Jam
⅓ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
½ cup granulated sugar
TOOLS
8” Spring form pan
electric mixer
food processor
large mixing bowl
strainer
small saucepan
DIRECTIONS
Step 1 - Make the crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove cream cheese and eggs from the fridge and allow them to come up to room temperature. Add graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until they resemble sand. Add the pulsed graham crackers to a large mixing bowl with melted butter and sugar, and mix until a crumbley paste forms. Add the crust mixture to the bottom of a spring form pan and press down firmly using your fingers until it is mostly smooth. Then, using a flat bottomed glass, press down on the surface of the crust until it becomes smooth and even. Bake for 15 minutes. And set aside.
Step 2 - Make the filling
While the crust is baking, add sugar, eggs, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Then, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and salt. Beat until smooth and most of the lumps have disappeared.
Step 3 - Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the pre-baked crust and bake for 55-60 minutes. The center should be jiggly, but firm. Let it cool for an hour, and then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
Step 4 - Make the berry sauce
While the cheesecake is baking add Profanity Jam Berry Habanero Jam, sugar, lemon juice, and zest to a small saucepan. Cook on medium high for 5-6 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and pour through a strainer into a heat safe bowl. Let it cool down, and then refrigerate along with the cheesecake.
Step 5 - Serve
Once the cheesecake and berry sauce has chilled, remove the cake from the springform pan by running a knife along the edges to loosen the cake. Pour most of the berry sauce on top of the cheesecake either keeping the sauce in the middle, or allowing some to pour over the sides. Slice up some fresh strawberries and toss them into the bowl with any remaining berry sauce. Stir them around to glaze, and then place them on top of the cheesecake. Enjoy!