Sweet strawberries, gently macerated with good-quality balsamic vinegar, are the perfect match for this creamy vanilla cheesecake. The balsamic enhances the fruit's natural sweetness while adding a subtle sharpness that keeps every bite fresh and balanced. Easy to make ahead and ideal for sharing, it's the kind of dessert that was made for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Makes 12 servings
For the base
300g digestive biscuits
150g unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling
300ml double cream
100g icing sugar
700g cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla paste or seeds from 2 vanilla pods
For the strawberries
250g strawberries
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tbsp good-quality balsamic vinegar
METHOD
Make the base
Crush the digestive biscuits until they resemble fine sand, making sure there are no large pieces remaining. A rolling pin or food processor works well for this.
Mix in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the base of a springform cake tin, ensuring it is level and well compacted. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling
Whip the double cream with 40g of the icing sugar until soft peaks form.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining icing sugar and the vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
Spoon the filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top with a spatula.
Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, although overnight is best.
Prepare the strawberries
Wash and quarter the strawberries, removing the stalks.
Place them in a bowl with the icing sugar and balsamic vinegar, then gently toss together. Leave to macerate for around 1 hour so the strawberries soften slightly and release their juices.
To serve
Remove the cheesecake from the tin and transfer to a serving plate. Spoon the balsamic strawberries and their juices over the top just before serving.
Tip: The better the balsamic vinegar, the better the result. A rich, aged balsamic adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them.