Belgian Truffle Cheesecake

Belgian Truffle Cheesecake Recipe - Delicious Dessert from Belgium

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Belgian Truffle Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich flavors of Belgian chocolate with the creamy texture of cheesecake. This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers and those looking for a sophisticated dessert to impress guests. The combination of a crunchy biscuit base, smooth chocolate filling, and a tangy sour cream topping makes this cheesecake a delightful treat for any occasion.

History

The origins of cheesecake can be traced back to ancient Greece, but the addition of chocolate and the refinement into what we now recognize as Belgian Truffle Cheesecake is a much more modern innovation. Belgian chocolate, known for its high quality and rich flavor, became a popular ingredient in desserts in the 20th century. Combining it with the classic cheesecake resulted in a decadent dessert that has gained popularity worldwide.

Ingredients

For the Crust

200 g/7 oz plain chocolate
75 g/3 oz butter, melted
225 g/8 oz Digestive biscuits or Wafer cookies, crushed

For the Filling

225 g/8 oz caster sugar
250 g/9 oz cream cheese
4 eggs
90 ml/3 fl oz hazelnut liqueur
8 squares plain chocolate
120 ml/4 fl oz sour cream

For the Topping

240 ml/8 fl oz sour cream
Grated plain chocolate
icing sugar

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or Gas Mark 4.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate. Add the biscuit crumbs and mix well. Press the mixture evenly over the bottom and up the sides of a 22 cm (9 inches) springform tin, leaving a 1 cm (0.5 inch) gap from the top. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pan of boiling water. Stir until melted.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until well blended and smooth.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition.
6. Beat in the liqueur and melted chocolate until well mixed, then blend in the sour cream.
7. Pour the mixture onto the crumb base, smoothing the top with a palette knife. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center has just set. Cool in the tin on a wire rack, then refrigerate for 8 hours.
8. To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it, then remove the sides of the tin. Spread an even layer of sour cream on top of the cake and decorate with grated chocolate. Sprinkle with icing sugar.

Variations

For a coffee twist, add a shot of espresso to the chocolate filling.
Replace hazelnut liqueur with orange liqueur for a chocolate-orange version.
Use white chocolate for the filling and topping for a white chocolate truffle cheesecake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Ensure all ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smoother filling.

- When melting chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning.

- To prevent cracks on the surface of your cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter and consider baking in a water bath.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar to minimize temperature shock and cracking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cheesecake chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. A fresh berry compote can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath can help prevent cracks and ensure even cooking. Melting chocolate using a double boiler method ensures it melts evenly without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free biscuits for a gluten-free base.

- Replace hazelnut liqueur with hazelnut syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

- Vegan cream cheese and sour cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The cheesecake can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the sour cream topping and decorations just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or gold leaf for an elegant finish. Serve each slice on a plate with a mint leaf for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich dessert with a strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine, such as a Port or a late-harvest Riesling, to complement the chocolate flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Belgian Truffle Cheesecake contains approximately 500 calories. The high calorie count reflects the rich ingredients used in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Belgian Truffle Cheesecake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar and biscuit base, providing quick energy.

Fats

This cheesecake is rich in fats, with a single serving containing about 30 grams. The fats primarily come from the cream cheese, sour cream, and butter, contributing to the dessert's creamy texture and satisfying mouthfeel.

Proteins

Each serving of Belgian Truffle Cheesecake provides around 7 grams of protein, mainly from the eggs and cream cheese. While not a high-protein food, it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the dessert.

Vitamins and minerals

The dessert provides small amounts of calcium and vitamin A from the dairy ingredients, along with trace minerals from the chocolate and eggs.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, butter), eggs, and gluten (from the biscuit base). Those with allergies or intolerances should take caution.

Summary

Belgian Truffle Cheesecake is a decadent, high-calorie dessert rich in carbohydrates and fats. It provides some protein and essential nutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Belgian Truffle Cheesecake is a sumptuous dessert that combines the richness of Belgian chocolate with the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake. Perfect for special occasions, this dessert is sure to impress with its sophisticated flavor and elegant presentation. While indulgent, it's a treat worth savoring for those special moments.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Belgian Truffle Cheesecake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a charming little bakery in Brussels, Belgium. The sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and desserts filled the air, tempting me to try a little bit of everything.

As I perused the display case, one particular dessert caught my eye – a decadent Belgian Truffle Cheesecake. The rich chocolate ganache topping, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the buttery graham cracker crust all beckoned to me, promising a taste of pure indulgence.

I couldn't resist ordering a slice to enjoy with a cup of strong coffee. As I savored each bite, I was transported to a world of culinary bliss. The smooth, velvety texture of the cheesecake, the intense chocolate flavor of the truffle topping, and the perfect balance of sweetness and richness all combined to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible cheesecake myself. I approached the bakery owner, a sweet older woman named Madame Marie, and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and invited me into the bakery's kitchen to learn the secrets of her famous Belgian Truffle Cheesecake.

Madame Marie was a patient and skilled teacher, guiding me through each step of the recipe with meticulous detail. She explained the importance of using high-quality ingredients, of taking the time to properly mix and bake the cheesecake, and of adding a touch of love and care to every bite.

I was amazed at how simple and straightforward the recipe was, despite the seemingly complex and decadent end result. Madame Marie's years of experience and expertise shone through in every aspect of the baking process, and I felt truly privileged to be learning from such a master of her craft.

After several hours of baking and waiting, the cheesecake was finally ready to be enjoyed. I carefully sliced a piece for myself, admiring the smooth, glossy ganache topping and the creamy, inviting filling. As I took my first bite, I was overwhelmed by the familiar flavors of Belgium – rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and warm, buttery crust.

The cheesecake was everything I had hoped for and more. It was a true masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures that delighted my taste buds and warmed my heart. I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen, one that I would pass down to future generations with pride and joy.

As I bid farewell to Madame Marie and thanked her for her generosity and wisdom, I knew that I had gained not just a recipe, but a new friend and a connection to a world of culinary delights. The memory of that day in the bakery in Brussels would forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic of food and the joy of sharing it with others.

And so, armed with my newfound knowledge and passion for Belgian Truffle Cheesecake, I returned home and set to work in my own kitchen. With each batch I baked, each slice I shared with loved ones, I felt a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that only cooking can bring.

To this day, whenever I make Belgian Truffle Cheesecake, I think back to that fateful day in the bakery in Brussels and smile. I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover this incredible recipe, and for the opportunity to carry on the tradition of sharing delicious food and creating lasting memories with those I hold dear.

And so, dear reader, I invite you to join me in the kitchen and try your hand at making Belgian Truffle Cheesecake. Let the aroma of chocolate and cream cheese fill your home, let the taste of buttery crust and velvety ganache delight your senses, and let the love and joy of baking bring you closer to those you cherish most.

Bon appétit!