| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 30g | 18g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 1g | 5g | 0.3g |
Whisked into being by the culinary symphony of ingredients, the Fingered Citron Cheesecake captures the spirit of New York City’s food scene in the form of a cheesecake. This dish is an homage to the city’s ability to embrace and integrate diverse culinary influences into its iconic gastronomic landscape. As a native New Yorker and a food connoisseur, it provides me immense satisfaction to bring forth a recipe like this, one that cherishes diversity and cherishes flavor in equal measure.
The Distinct Taste
The Fingered Citron, also known as Buddha’s Hand, gives this cheesecake a remarkably unique flavor profile. With its vibrant and aromatic personality, it infuses the cheesecake with a citrusy essence that’s both invigorating and gentle, an enchanting hint of sweetness, and a tang that simply dances on your tongue. The Fingered Citron Cheesecake hence, stands out for its bold and zestful personality.
The Health Benefits
Riding the wave of this citrus sensation doesn’t only mean treating your taste buds to an exotic flavor venture. There’s the addition of healthy elements as well. Fingered Citron is packed with vitamin C and other key minerals like calcium and potassium. The vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system while the calcium contributes to bone health. This cheesecake isn’t just a delightful indulgence; it’s a celebration of healthful choices combined with delectable taste.
This delightful dish is similar to the classic New York cheesecake but it effortlessly takes it a notch up with its unique flavor palette, standing out for its inventive use of the Fingered Citron. You can conveniently pair this exquisite dessert with a chicory coffee or a crisp white wine to enhance the harmonious blend of distinct flavors.
With recipes that embody the spirit of New York and its diverse culinary talent, it’s always a pleasure to experiment and create dishes like this Fingered Citron Cheesecake. It’s a tribute to all tastes and palettes, stirred well with a dollop of the city’s cultural medley. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh fingered citron juice
- Zest of one fingered citron
- 1 tablespoon potato starch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 fingered citron, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the crust. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Once the mixture is well combined, press it evenly into the bottom of your cheesecake pan. Place the pan in your fridge to let the crust set.
Step Two
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). As your oven preheats, begin preparing the cheesecake filling. Place the room temperature cream cheese into a large mixing bowl and beat it until it becomes smooth. Gradually add the 1 cup of sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s well combined.
Step Three
Add the eggs into your cream cheese mixture, one at a time. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Stir in the sour cream, the fingered citron juice, and the zest of one fingered citron.
Step Four
Pour your cream cheese filling over your chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth out the top and bake the cheesecake in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the center is set.
Step Five
While your cheesecake is baking, create a syrup for your fingered citron topping. Begin by dissolving the tablespoon of potato starch in half a cup of water. Place the 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and add the starch solution. Stir constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Step Six
Add the thinly sliced fingered citron to your saucepan and stir until it’s well coated in the sugar syrup. Cook this mixture for about 20 minutes, or until the citron slices become translucent.
Step Seven
Once your cheesecake has finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the citron topping. Distribute the candied citron slices evenly on top and pour the rest of the syrup over the cheesecake. Let it chill for a couple hours in the fridge before serving.
