Ricotta Cheesecake with Passion Fruit Recipe

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.

2. 2

   Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter.

3. 3

   In a bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

4. 4

   Pour into the prepared pan and press evenly onto the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides.

5. 5

   Bake until set, about 8 minutes.

6. 6

   Let the crust cool on a wire rack.

7. 7

   Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

8. 8

   To make the filling, in the bowl of a food processor, process the cream cheese until smooth.

9. 9

   Add the ricotta, sugar, cream, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt and process until smooth, about 2 minutes; scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again.

10. 10

    Add the passion fruit concentrate and pulse just to mix.

11. 11

    Pour the mixture into a large bowl.

12. 12

    In another bowl, beat the egg whites to medium-stiff peaks (a hand-held electric mixer makes this a breeze).

13. 13

    Using a rubber spatula, fold about one-third of the whites into the cheese mixture.

14. 14

    Then gently fold in the remaining whites.

15. 15

    Pour into the crust and spread evenly.

16. 16

    Bake for 30 minutes, then increase the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Continue baking until the surface is golden and the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken, about 30 minutes longer.

17. 17

    Turn off the oven and let the cake cool in the oven for 1 hour.

18. 18

    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 30 minutes.

19. 19

    In a small saucepan, whisk together the passion fruit concentrate, orange juice, and cornstarch.

20. 20

    Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and glossy.

21. 21

    Let cool for 5 minutes.

22. 22

    Spoon the glaze over the top of the cheesecake, spreading evenly.

23. 23

    Let the cheesecake cool completely.

24. 24

    Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake until well chilled, at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

25. 25

    Remove the pan sides and run a long, thin knife between the pan bottom and the crust, then slide the cake onto a serving plate and serve.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.