🧀🍓🍒Dreamy Velvet Cheesecake: The ULTIMATE Recipe!

Indulge in our melt-in-your-mouth Velvet Cheesecake! Easy to make, no-bake option included. Get the recipe and create your own dessert masterpiece today!

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Ingredients:**


  *For the Crust:*

    *   1 ½ cups (150g) Digestive Biscuits or Graham Crackers, finely crushed (ensure Halal certification if applicable)

    *   6 tablespoons (85g) Unsalted Butter, melted

    *   2 tablespoons (25g) Granulated Sugar

    *   Pinch of Salt

  *For the Cheesecake Filling:*

    *   32 oz (900g) Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature

    *   1 ½ cups (300g) Granulated Sugar

    *   4 large Eggs, at room temperature

    *   1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream

    *   1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    *   ½ teaspoon Almond Extract (optional, but adds a beautiful depth)

    *   2 tablespoons Cornstarch

    *   Red Food Coloring Gel (a few drops, adjust to your desired "velvet" hue - use gel for best color saturation)

  *For the Optional "Cloud" Topping:*

    *   1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream, chilled

    *   2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar

    *   ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract


*Equipment:*


  9-inch Springform Pan

  Mixing Bowls

  Electric Mixer (stand or hand-held)

  Rubber Spatula

  Parchment Paper

  Aluminum Foil (for water bath)


*Instructions:*


*1. Prepare the Crust:*


  In a medium bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand.

  Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the springform pan.  Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure a compact and even crust.

  Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.


*2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:*


  Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).

  In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a velvet texture!  Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.

  Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.  Avoid over-mixing at this stage, as it can introduce air and cause cracking.

  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to over-beat.

  In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and cornstarch.

  Gently fold the wet ingredients into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Do not over-mix!

  Add the red food coloring gel, a few drops at a time, and gently swirl it into the batter until you achieve your desired "velvet" shade. Avoid over-mixing at this stage to keep the colors from muddling.


*3. Bake the Cheesecake (Water Bath):*


  Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly with several layers of aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.

  Place the wrapped springform pan inside a larger roasting pan.

  Carefully pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.

  Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This creates a water bath, which helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents cracking.

  Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

  Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour.  This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking.


*4. Chill and Finish:*


  Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.


*5. (Optional) Prepare the "Cloud" Topping:*


  In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

  Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

  Gently spread the whipped cream over the top of the chilled cheesecake in a swirling, "cloud-like" pattern.


*6. Serving:*


  Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.

  Slice and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries complement the color beautifully) or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra visual appeal.