How to Make a Classic American Cheesecake with Fresh Berries

Making a classic American cheesecake with fresh berries is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of a smooth, creamy filling with the sweetness and tanginess of berries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this timeless treat.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling:

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

For the berry topping:

• 1 1/2 cups of fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon to evenly press the crumbs into the base.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it is lightly golden and firm. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the cheesecake filling:

• Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. The center will firm up as it cools.
• Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
• After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
• Once the cheesecake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.

3. Prepare the berry topping:

• In a medium bowl, combine the fresh berries. If you like a sweeter topping, sprinkle them with the sugar and toss gently to coat. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a bit of tartness.
• Let the berries sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the juices to release and create a light syrup.

4. Assemble and serve:

• Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
• Spoon the fresh berries over the top of the cheesecake just before serving. If you want to make it look even more polished, you can add a few mint leaves for color.
• Slice and enjoy the creamy texture of the cheesecake combined with the refreshing taste of the berries.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake:

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the cheesecake filling blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the filling, which may cause cracks during baking.
• Baking in a water bath: For an extra smooth texture and to minimize the risk of cracks, bake your cheesecake in a water bath. To do this, wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent water from leaking in, and place the pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Let the cheesecake cool slowly: To prevent cracking, let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven before removing it to cool completely on the counter.

This classic American cheesecake with fresh berries is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family meal. The creamy richness of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart flavors of the fresh berries, creating a balanced and indulgent treat that everyone will love.