I am always fascinated to hear how recipes, and the stories around them, make their way to being part of family celebrations year after year. Pies have always had a special place in our family when I was growing up…especially in the summer. My dad’s birthday is in August and each year, a fresh peach pie was always his birthday dessert request. My mom made the best pies and because of her, I love to make pies… all kinds.
It’s the time of the year when fresh cherries and berries are at their peak. You can customize your berry mix, using whatever is available locally, to your taste or look. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use canned bing cherries: drained, blotted and dried.
This pie is good for gatherings since the the crust and cheesecake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Then, add the berry topping and warm jam drizzle close to serving time. It will definitely be worth it, heating the oven up for this pie. Perhaps it will make its way into one of your family celebrations this summer!
Cherry Berry Cheesecake
Ingredients
Cookie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 ounces butter, melted
Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Gelatin Topping:
- 3-ounce/85g-box cherry flavored gelatin
- 1 cup blueberries
- Cherries for garnish
Directions
- To make the crust: In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and melted butter. Place a circle of parchment paper into the bottom of an 8-9 inch springform pan. Press crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and refrigerate until ready to fill.
- To make the filling: In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate medium bowl, whip the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Add 1/4 of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and stir in by hand to lighten it.
- Then,fold in the remaining whipped cream.
- Transfer to prepared pan, smoothing top.
- Place in the refrigerator while you make the gelatin topping.
- To make the gelatin topping: Place gelatin in a medium bowl and prepare as to package directions.
- Let stand 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, arrange the berries in a single layer on top of the cheesecake.
- Pour thickened gelatin on top. Cover with plastic wrap, not letting plastic touch the surface of the gelatin. Chill several hours.
