| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 47g | 28g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 33g | 1g | 9g | 0.63g |
There’s something simply irresistible about the Durian Cheesecake recipe. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that blends diverse flavors together in a way that is at once unexpected and familiar. Coming from a blend of Cuban and Spanish heritage myself, I’ve always had a knack for mixing the traditional with the exotic, and this dessert is no exception.
A Deep Dive into Durian
As a lover of tropical flavors and the queen of tapas, I can’t help but fall in love with the bold, unique taste of durian. Known as the king of fruits, durian is filled with nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C. Its creamy texture and distinctive flavor add an extra layer of complexity to this heavenly cheesecake. Though a bit unconventional for some, it reminds me of the adventurous spirit embodied in Latin cuisine and its willingness to incorporate unexpected ingredients for great impact. I encourage you to read further about the durian’s intriguing profile and health benefits, especially if you’re a first-time taster.
Recipe Inspiration and Pairings
This Durian Cheesecake recipe is reminiscent of some classic Spanish flan or Cuban custard recipes, with a twist. But don’t be fooled, it’s not shy on cheese! The combination of cream cheese and sour cream strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, and it’s lusciously smooth. It’s divine served alongside a glass of white Rioja or a tropical cocktail. If you’re in the mood for something unique and scrumptious, you might even consider pairing this rich cheesecake with a spicy tapas menu to keep your palate dancing.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party, preparing a special treat for the weekend, or if you simply want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, this Durian Cheesecake is guaranteed to add a memorable flair to your meal. Enjoy it, embrace the surprise, and savor the dance of flavors. Trust me, your tastebuds will thank you!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups durian flesh (the edible part)
- 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until fully mixed. Press the resulting crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake this crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool.
Step Two
Take 1 1/4 cups of durian flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until it’s smooth. Set this aside for now.
Step Three
In another bowl, beat together the 2 (8 ounce) packages of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is very smooth. Add in 1/2 cup of sour cream and continue to beat until it’s fully incorporated.
Step Four
Beat in the 3 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the durian puree from earlier. Lastly, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream whilst continuing to mix until everything is fully combined.
Step Five
Pour the cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to get rid of any air bubbles. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes to an hour, or until the center of the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly browned.
Step Six
Take the cheesecake out of the oven and let it cool to room temperature. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight before serving it. Enjoy your homemade durian cheesecake!
