Golden Crumble Berry Cheesecake

On Mar 28, 2025 25 0

This stunning slice of cheesecake presents a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. A rich, smooth cheesecake filling rests on a crisp base, all crowned with a generous layer of buttery crumble, vibrant fresh berries, and a delicate sprig of mint. This guide offers detailed steps for anyone, especially beginners, wanting to prepare this delightful dessert at home, adhering to halal dietary guidelines. The satisfaction derived from preparing and sharing such a treat is truly special.

Why This Cheesecake Shines

The appeal lies in its harmonious combination: the creamy tang of the cheesecake, the sweet crunch of the biscuit base, the satisfying texture of the golden-brown crumble topping, and the bright burst of freshness from the raspberries and blueberries. The dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of elegance, just as seen in the picture. Following these instructions allows even novice bakers to achieve this impressive result.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Before beginning, gather the following equipment:

🥣 Large mixing bowls (at least 2-3)
⚡️ Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
🎂 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan (this pan has removable sides, essential for cheesecakes)
🥄 Measuring cups and spoons
🥄 Spatula (rubber or silicone is best)
📄 Baking paper (parchment paper)
🛡️ Heavy-duty aluminum foil
🥘 Roasting pan or large baking dish (larger than the springform pan, for the water bath)
🔥 Oven
🍽️ Serving plate

Halal Ingredients for Your Cheesecake

Ensure all ingredients meet halal requirements. Check packaging for certifications where applicable.

For the Crumble:
- 🌾 1 cup (120g) All-purpose flour
- 🍚 ½ cup (100g) Granulated sugar (or half brown, half white)
- 🧈 ½ cup (113g) Cold unsalted halal butter, cut into small cubes
For the Crust:
- 🍪 1 ½ cups (about 150g) Crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 🍚 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 🧈 6 tablespoons (85g) Unsalted halal butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 🧀 32 oz (900g) Full-fat block halal cream cheese, softened to room temperature (very important!)
- 🍚 1 ½ cups (300g) Granulated sugar
- 🥚 4 Large eggs, at room temperature
- 🥛 1 cup (240g) Halal sour cream or heavy cream, at room temperature
- 💧 1 teaspoon Alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 🍋 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
For Garnishing:
- 🍓 Fresh raspberries (as pictured, about ½ cup)
- 🫐 Fresh blueberries (including larger and smaller ones, about ¼ cup)
- 🌿 Fresh mint sprigs
- ❄️ Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparing Your Golden Crumble Berry Cheesecake Step-by-Step

Follow these instructions carefully for a beautiful outcome mirroring the cheesecake shown.

1. Prepare the Crumble Topping

Begin with the crumble so it can chill. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This texture is key for the distinct, slightly chunky crumble topping visible on the finished cheesecake slice. Do not overmix into a paste. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to keep the butter cold while preparing the rest.

2. Make the Crust

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the 9-inch springform pan. For easier removal later, consider lining the bottom with a circle of baking paper. In a small bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and stir until evenly moistened. Tip the buttery crumbs into the prepared springform pan. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, press the crumbs firmly and evenly onto the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Aim for a solid, even base as seen supporting the cheesecake slice in the image. For an extra crisp crust, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly on a wire rack.

3. Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream (or heavy cream) are all at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free filling. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Gradually add the 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, beating until smooth and well combined.

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can incorporate too much air, potentially leading to cracks during baking. After the eggs, gently mix in the sour cream (or heavy cream), alcohol-free vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using), again mixing only until just combined. The final filling should be smooth, thick, and uniform – the foundation for the dense, pale-yellow interior seen in the picture.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula. Retrieve the chilled crumble mixture from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the crumble evenly and generously over the top of the cheesecake filling, ensuring coverage right to the edges, replicating the substantial crumble layer shown in the photograph.

5. Prepare the Water Bath and Bake

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). A water bath (or bain-marie) is essential for baking cheesecake gently and evenly, helping prevent cracks. To prepare it: tear off two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the springform pan in the center of one sheet and carefully wrap the foil up the sides of the pan. Repeat with the second sheet, ensuring the bottom and sides are completely sealed to prevent water from seeping in.

Place the foil-wrapped springform pan inside the larger roasting pan or baking dish. Carefully pour hot (not boiling) water into the larger roasting pan, ensuring the water comes about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Be very careful not to splash water onto the cheesecake filling.

Carefully transfer the entire setup into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-75 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and appear slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight wobble (like jelly) when the pan is gently nudged. The crumble topping should be golden brown, matching the image.

6. Cool the Cheesecake Properly (Very Important!)

Proper cooling is vital for preventing cracks and achieving the perfect texture. Turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This allows it to cool down gradually. After 1 hour, carefully remove the springform pan from the water bath (discard the foil) and let the cheesecake cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature (about 1-2 hours). Once completely cool, cover the cheesecake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period allows the filling to firm up properly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once thoroughly chilled, carefully run a thin knife around the edge of the cheesecake before releasing the sides of the springform pan. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.

To achieve the presentation shown in the image:

Lightly dust the top of the crumble and the berries with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
Arrange fresh raspberries on top of the slice, including some nestled into the crumble. Place one large, distinct blueberry near the front edge of the slice on the plate. Add a few smaller dark berries (blueberries or similar) onto the crumble topping itself. Notice the single piece of cut raspberry near the bottom right of the slice in the image – replicate this detail if desired.
Scatter a few extra pieces of the baked crumble and a little more powdered sugar artfully around the base of the slice on the plate.
Finally, tuck one or two small, fresh mint sprigs amongst the berries on top for a touch of green.

Slice the cheesecake with a large, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut for clean slices.

Sharing Your Masterpiece

Serving this homemade Golden Crumble Berry Cheesecake offers a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The combination of textures and the freshness of the berries make it a truly delightful dessert. Feel encouraged to try this recipe; the process is rewarding, and the end result is sure to impress. Sharing photos of the finished cheesecake is always welcome! Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome.