| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 690 | 45g | 27g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 2g | 8g | 0.45g |
Oh, how I love our Passionfruit Cheesecake recipe! It takes the timeless classic that is the American cheesecake and gives it a tropical twist. As I dig into the tangy, luscious passionfruit topping, it transports me straight to the vibrant markets of Gujarat, where freshly-squeezed juices flow like nectar and the air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of ripe tropical fruits.
A Blend of Two Worlds
This Passionfruit Cheesecake is the perfect embodiment of my culinary journey, blending West Coast freshness with the timeless appeal of my Gujarati roots. My passion for Indian-American fusion cuisine is instinctively drawn to bold experiments, and this dessert is the stunning result of one such experiment. I love how effortlessly it marries the zing of passionfruit with the comforting creaminess of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful symphony of flavours.
More than Just a Delicious Cheesecake
But this Passionfruit Cheesecake is not just incredibly mouthwatering – it’s also packed with numerous health benefits. The passionfruit alone, a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, is known for boosting immunity and promoting good eye health. Then there’s the cream cheese, which is an excellent source of protein, and the eggs, which provide us with important vitamins and minerals.
My family fondly refers to this recipe as “dessert with benefits”! Check out this link for detailed health benefits of passionfruit.
Perfect for any Occasion
This Passionfruit Cheesecake pairs beautifully with many dishes. For informal gatherings, I often serve it with a refreshing cucumber-mint cooler, whose freshness accentuates the cake’s tropical flair. A classic shortbread cookie (reminding me of home in California) is another delightful pairing for more traditional events. To create a truly indulgent spread, especially during festive seasons, I serve this cheesecake alongside Masala Chai Tea.
I sincerely hope you fall in love with this Passionfruit Cheesecake just as much as my family and I have! With every bite, you’re not just enjoying a fascinating mix of creamy and tangy flavors but also embarking on a delightful culinary journey – one that bridges my two homes, the sunny coasts of California and the vibrant landscapes of Gujarat. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup passionfruit pulp
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the passionfruit topping)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (around 163 degrees Celsius). Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form your cheesecake crust.
Step Two
Next, in a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until it’s smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Pour this cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust in the springform pan.
Step Three
Bake the cheesecake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears to be lightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. While it’s cooling, it’s time to prepare the passionfruit topping.
Step Four
In a small saucepan, combine the passionfruit pulp and the 1/2 cup of sugar and bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until a slurry forms. Slowly whisk this cornstarch mixture into the simmering passionfruit and sugar, stirring constantly.
Step Five
Continue to cook and stir the passionfruit topping until it thickens considerably, this should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step Six
Spoon the passionfruit topping over your cooled cheesecake, spreading it evenly over the surface. Once the entire cheesecake is covered, place it in the refrigerator to chill completely. This should take at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. When it’s fully chilled, your Passionfruit Cheesecake is ready to serve and enjoy!
