Watermelon cheesecake is a refreshing and unique dessert perfect for a summer treat.
Here's a simple recipe to make watermelon cheesecake:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup watermelon puree (seedless)
For the Watermelon Glaze:
- 2 cups watermelon puree (seedless)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Red food coloring (optional, for a brighter color)
Instructions:
For the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Make sure it's compact and even.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Finally, mix in the watermelon puree until everything is well combined. You can add a few drops of red food coloring if you want a more vibrant watermelon color.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Bake the cheesecake for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
For the Watermelon Glaze:
- In a saucepan, combine the watermelon puree, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk to combine.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the glaze cool to room temperature.
Assembly:
- Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, remove it from the springform pan.
- Pour the watermelon glaze over the top of the cheesecake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Optionally, you can garnish the cheesecake with watermelon slices or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious watermelon cheesecake!
This unique dessert will delight your taste buds with the sweet and refreshing flavor of watermelon combined with the creamy richness of cheesecake.
