Ingredients:
For the Crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
– 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Jelly Topping:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon (15g) unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup mixed fruit juice (e.g., pineapple, orange, and grapefruit)
– Fresh fruit slices (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until combined. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the Fruit Jelly Topping: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it soften for 5 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and the softened gelatin. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and gelatin have dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mixed fruit juice.
5. Top the Cheesecake with Fruit Jelly: Pour the fruit jelly mixture over the chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the jelly has set.
6. Decorate with Fresh Fruit: Arrange fresh fruit slices on top of the cheesecake.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Release the springform pan sides and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips and Variations:
– Use a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple, to create a colorful and flavorful topping.
– Replace the mixed fruit juice with a single fruit juice, such as pineapple or orange, for a different flavor profile.
– Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, to the fruit jelly mixture for a grown-up twist.
– Use a different type of cookie or cracker, such as chocolate sandwich cookies or wafers, to create a unique crust flavor.