No-Bake White Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberries
The sinfully delicious combination of white chocolate, vanilla and citrus in this no-bake cheesecake is perfect when topped with fresh strawberries.From Food & Wine Magazine
1½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon finely grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons strawberry jam mixed with 1 teaspoon hot water
Quartered strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
Make the Crust Instructions
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the butter, sugar, vanilla and salt until evenly moistened.
Press the crumbs over the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan. Freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
Make the Filling Instructions
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the white chocolate on high power in 10-second intervals until just melted. Let cool slightly.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the cream cheese with the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla bean paste and orange and lemon zests until smooth. Gradually beat in the white chocolate. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl.
Wipe out the bowl of the stand mixer and add the cream to it. Attach the whisk and beat the cream at high speed until firm peaks form. Stir one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain.
Spread the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in an even layer. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Unmold the cheesecake. Top with the strawberry jam and garnish with quartered strawberries. Cut the cake into wedges and serve.
Notes
What I'd Do Different Next Time
I might leave out the orange zest. It was good, but I think it masked the flavor of the white chocolate a little too much.