Description
Creamy kiwi cheesecake brings zesty tropical flavors to classic dessert lovers, blending tangy fruit with rich cream cheese. Smooth graham cracker crust and bright green fruit topping make this sweet treat irresistible for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Filling:
- 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Topping:
- 3 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Craft a robust graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with melted butter at 325F (163C). Press firmly into a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even base. Bake for 10 minutes until golden, then allow to cool completely.
- Whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until silky and uniform. Incorporate sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, blending until seamlessly integrated.
- Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth, homogeneous texture. Ensure no lumps remain in the creamy mixture.
- Gently transfer the luxurious batter into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an elegant finish. Bake 45-50 minutes until the center exhibits a subtle tremor when nudged.
- Allow the cheesecake to rest inside the oven with the door slightly ajar for one hour, facilitating gradual cooling and preventing cracks. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Artfully arrange fresh kiwi slices atop the chilled cheesecake, creating an appealing design. Warm honey with water over low heat, then delicately drizzle the glossy glaze across the fruit.
- Carefully release the springform pan, transfer to a serving plate, and slice into decadent portions. Serve chilled and savor the creamy, tangy delight.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, maintaining the creamy texture while cutting calories.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by baking in a water bath, ensuring gentle and even heat distribution for a silky smooth surface.
- Maximize kiwi flavor by selecting ripe, slightly soft fruits with vibrant green flesh for the most intense and sweet topping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg