Baked Passion Fruit Cheesecake

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Introduction:
Experience a burst of tropical flavor with this luscious Baked Passion Fruit Cheesecake. Creamy and velvety cheesecake meets the tangy and exotic taste of passion fruit in this delightful dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and vibrant passion fruit topping creates a dessert that is both luxurious and refreshing. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise with every decadent bite.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

For the Passion Fruit Topping:

  • 1 cup (250ml) passion fruit pulp (about 6-8 passion fruits)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh passion fruit seeds
  • Whipped cream
  • Mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from leaking in.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.

2. Press the Crust Into the Pan:

  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to create an even layer.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Pour the Filling Over the Crust:

  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the filling.

5. Bake the Cheesecake:

  • Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish or roasting pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath).
  • Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  • Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Prepare the Passion Fruit Topping:

  • In a saucepan, combine the passion fruit pulp and granulated sugar over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the passion fruit mixture.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let the passion fruit topping cool to room temperature.

7. Top the Cheesecake:

  • Once the cheesecake is chilled and set, spread the cooled passion fruit topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.

8. Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish the cheesecake with fresh passion fruit seeds, whipped cream, and mint leaves, if desired.
  • Slice and serve the Baked Passion Fruit Cheesecake, and enjoy the tropical flavors of this delightful dessert!

Tips for Success:

  • Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
  • When baking the cheesecake, avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
  • To achieve clean slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water before slicing the cheesecake.

Optional Variation:

  • For added texture and flavor, fold in some crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut into the cheesecake filling before baking.

Enjoy your slice of paradise with this Baked Passion Fruit Cheesecake!

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