Mary Berry’s Chocolate, Brandy and Ginger Cheesecake
Mary Berry's easy cheesecake is a perfect make-ahead dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with spicy stem ginger and just the right amount of brandy.
From the book
Mary Berry’s Baking Bible
A perfect guide for new bakers
250 foolproof baking recipes
The ultimate cakes and bakes from the nation's favourite baker
Introduction
A sophisticated cheesecake that serves 8. If you like, you can add a little more brandy to the cheesecake filling. If ginger is a favourite flavour, the quantity used can be increased as well.
Ingredients
| For the base: | |
| 100g (4oz) | ginger biscuits |
| 50g (2oz) | butter |
| 25g (1oz) | demerara sugar |
| For the cheesecake: | |
| 100g (4oz) | plain chocolate (39% cocoa solids) |
| 15 g (½ oz) | sachet powdered gelatine |
| 3 tbsp | cold water |
| 2 | large eggs, separated |
| 50 g (2 oz) | caster sugar |
| 100 g (4 oz) | full-fat soft cheese |
| 150 ml (¼ pint) | soured cream |
| 4 tbsp | brandy |
| about 25 g (1 oz) | fresh ginger, finely chopped |
| To decorate: | |
| 150 ml (¼ pint) | whipping or double cream, whipped (optional) |
| chocolate caraque or curls | |
| a few slices of stem ginger |
Essential kit
You will need: a 20 cm (8 in) loose-bottomed cake tin or springform tin.
Method
1. Lightly grease a 20 cm (8 in) loose-bottomed cake tin or springform tin.
2. Put the biscuits into a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the biscuit crumbs and sugar. Press into the prepared tin and leave to set.
3. Melt the chocolate gently in a bowl set over a pan of hot water, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool slightly.
4. Sprinkle the gelatine over the measured water in a small bowl and leave for 10 minutes to ‘sponge’. Stand the bowl in a pan of gently simmering water until the gelatine has completely dissolved. Leave to cool slightly.
5. Beat together the egg yolks, sugar and cheese in a large bowl. Add the soured cream and cooled chocolate. Stir in the dissolved gelatine. Whisk the egg whites until frothy and fold into the cheese mixture along with the brandy and chopped stem ginger. Pour on to the biscuit base and chill in the fridge to set.
6. When set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin before decorating with whipped cream if you like, chocolate caraque or curls, and slices of stem ginger.
Please note: Moderation is enabled and may delay your comment being posted. There is no need to resubmit your comment. By posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use.