How to make Berry Cheesecake

Berry Cheesecake

Preparation 40 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour, 20 minutes

Serves 12 Slices

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 5 ( 8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup half and half cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup crushed fresh strawberries
• 1 cup crushed fresh blueberries
• Fresh blueberries and strawberries for topping, optional

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and lemon peel.
3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Whisk egg yolks and vanilla; add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
5. Press onto the bottom and 3 inches up the sides of a 9-in. springform pan.
6. Place pan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
8. Cool on a wire rack.

For the Filling:

1. Reduce heat to 375°; wrap pan (sides and bottom) with foil.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the cream, flour, lemon peel, salt and vanilla.
4. Add eggs and yolk; beat on low speed just until combined.
5. Divide batter in half (about 3 cups each).
6. Fold crushed strawberries and crushed blueberries into half of the batter.
7. Pour onto crust.
8. Top with remaining batter.
9. Place filled springform pan in a large baking pan; put the pan with the cheesecake in the oven.
10. Pour hot water into the pan until it reaches about 2-inches.
11. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.
12. Place on a wire rack to cool 1 hour.
13. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
14. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cheesecake; loosen sides and remove.
15. Decorate the top of the cheesecake with sliced strawberries and whole blueberries.