Australian Cheesecake (adopted)

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   NOTE: Prebaked crusts are much crisper than the chilled ones and this can be important if you want a crisp crust.

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   CRUST: If you are prebaking the shell, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

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   Place the crumbs in a mixing bowl and add the butter and sugar blending well.

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   Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of an 8-inch springform pan.

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   Smooth the mixture to form an even layer on the bottom and sides.

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   Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes and let cool to room temperature before filling.

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   NOTE: This crust can be chilled for 5 to 10 minutes in the freezer until it is set but is not recommended in this recipe.

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   CHEESECAKE: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

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   In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy.

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    Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each.

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    Beat in the flour, lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla until just mixed.

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    Whip the cream until stiff in a medium mixing bowl.

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    Set aside.

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    In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then fold them into the cheese mixture.

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    Fold in the reserved whipped cream.

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    Stir in the passion fruit pulp then pour the mixture into the prepared crust and bake fro 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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    (I strained out the seeds, but that is a personal preference).

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    Cool, in the oven, to room temperature, then chill.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.