A decadent Christmas dessert featuring a spiced cream cheese filling, crunchy biscuit base, dried fruits, and whipped cream topping.
# Components:
→ For the Biscuit Base
01 - 10.5 ounces digestive biscuits (approximately 24 biscuits)
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ For the Cheesecake Filling
03 - 21 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2/3 cup sour cream
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - 4.25 ounces mixed dried fruits (cranberries, apricots, cherries), chopped
10 - 2 teaspoons mixed spice (1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
→ For the Topping
11 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
12 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 320°F. Line an 8 x 12 inch rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - Pulse digestive biscuits in food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to bowl and mix with melted butter until texture resembles wet sand.
03 - Press biscuit mixture firmly and evenly into prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
04 - Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
05 - Add sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat until mixture is smooth and glossy.
06 - Gently fold chopped dried fruits and mixed spice into batter until evenly distributed.
07 - Pour cheesecake batter over chilled crust and smooth surface. Tap pan gently on counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly wobbly. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
08 - Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Remove pan and let cool completely to room temperature.
09 - Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
10 - Whip heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
11 - Cut cheesecake into squares. Top each square with dollop of whipped cream and dusting of powdered sugar.
