Description
French-style cheesecake is lighter and creamier than its dense New York counterpart. Made with rich cream cheese, crème fraîche, and a delicate biscuit crust, this cheesecake has a silky texture and a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for an elegant dessert, this recipe is simple yet luxurious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh berries or fruit compote
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix the crushed biscuits, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the crème fraîche, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- If using a topping, mix crème fraîche with powdered sugar and spread over the cheesecake before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a fruit compote for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Lighter Texture: French-style cheesecake is less dense than traditional versions due to the use of crème fraîche.
- Prevent Cracks: Cooling in the oven prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
- Serving Suggestion: Pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: French-style cheesecake, light cheesecake, crème fraîche cheesecake, Parisian cheesecake, elegant dessert