Baked Black Cherry Cheesecake for the Dessert Carnival

The Day of Cielo's Dessert Carnival is finally here. Go and join in the fun and taste every dessert from all over the world. The desserts will make you drool, they are a real feast for the eyes.


I participated using this cheesecake. I love cheesecakes, especially homemade ones. Because I prefer the cheesy part to be a bit more fluffy and smooth than slippery, I like the texture of a baked cheesecake, rather than using gelatine and have it set in the fridge. I know some people can be a bit nervous when it comes to making cheesecakes, but if you follow the steps here, you'll be pleased with yourself and it'll definitely be worth the effort. Here's the recipe:

For the base:

125g Digestive Biscuits or any plain sweet biscuits, crushed

60g Butter, melted

Combine crushed biscuits and melted butter. Spread evenly over the base of a greased 21cm springform tin. Press crumb mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30minutes or until firm.

For the filling:

375g cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornflour

1/2 cup thickened cream

425g can of pitted black cherries, cut in halves save around 5 whole, drained

Using electric beaters, beat cream cheese and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs gradually, beating well after each addition. Add juice, beat until combined. Sift over cornflour and fold through cream. Scatter approx. half can (or just a lil bit more) of cut black cherries over pastry base. Pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake 30-35 minutes at moderate 180C or until firm. Leave to cool.

For the topping:

1 tablespoon corn flour

1 tablespoon sugar

reserved syrup from can of pitted cherries

Blend cornflour, sugar and reserved syrup in a small saucepan. Stir over heat until mixture boils and thickens. This needs to be thick enough so it won't run. Spread on top of baked cheesecake. Use the other half can of already cut black cherries with the topping. Garnish with the saved whole cherries in the centre. Whip up some extra fresh cream and pipe onto cheesecake. Serve cold.

Enjoy. Mmmm! It's Superb!!!

As for the "excessive" decorating and garnishing with roses and flowers, my only explanation is I couldn't help it. There's no such thing as "excessive" when it comes to decorating with flowers, is there? It's a Carnival afterall! Besides, Rosy Inspiration has to be rosy, doesn't it? (You can click on pictures to view larger versions)
Can you hear them sing?