3 delicious desserts to make this valentine's day❤
New York Style Cheesecake... (photo page 1)
Crust:
220 g (1 ¾ cups) graham cracker crumbs
100 g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Batter:
600 g (21 oz) cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 egg yolk, room temperature
200 g (¾ cup) sour cream, room temperature
220 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon)
Graham Cracker Crust:
Line an 8-inch / 20 cm springform pan with parchment paper.
Blend the graham crackers into a fine crumb.
In a bowl, mix the crumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom — and slightly up the sides — of the pan.
Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
Cheesecake Batter:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil (for the water bath).
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch on medium speed until smooth.
Add the eggs and extra yolk, a little at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated (don’t whip in air).
Add the sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing just until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Pour the batter over the chilled crust and tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
Bake:
Pour the boiling water into a deep baking tray and place it on the rack below the cheesecake.
Bake at 302°F / 150°C for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open for 30–45 minutes.
Cool completely at room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate overnight before unmolding.
The next day, remove the cheesecake from the pan and serve it with fresh fruit. (optional)
This is my favorite cheesecake recipe to make, it always turns out so good and creamy😊
Sourdough Strawberry Scones... (photo page 2)
ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped into approximate ¼ inch pieces
½ cup unsalted butter, cold
½ cup sourdough starter
⅓ cup whole milk (or half and half or heavy cream)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons lemon zest (about the zest from one lemon
Glaze:
1 tablespoon butter
½ tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
⅔ cup powdered sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and mixing the sourdough starter with flour, baking powder, and sugar in a large bowl. This will create a delightful base for your scones.
Step 2: Add the Butter
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step brings a rich flavor and flaky texture to your scones.
Step 3: Incorporate Strawberries
Gently fold in diced strawberries. Their sweet and juicy nature will infuse your scones with a burst of flavor, creating a perfect pairing with the tartness of the sourdough
Step 4: Form the Scones
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and lightly knead it just enough to bring it together. Pat it into a round shape about an inch thick, then cut it into wedges or use a round cutter for uniformity.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with milk or an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated (350°F) oven until they are light golden brown and beautifully risen.
Step 6: Glaze
Mix your Glaze together. After scones have cooled, drizzle with glaze.
Personal tip: These are also good made with blueberries.
Meringue Shells... (photos pages 3&4)
ingredients:
3 large egg whites (room temp)
1/4 tsp cream of tatar
2/3 cup sugar
Creamcheese Filling:
4 oz. creamcheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 8oz. container cool whip
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 250° F
Beat egg whites until foamy, add cream of tatar and beat on med/high until softened peaks perform, gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks perform.
Place a parchment paper on a cooking sheet, drop meringue by tablespoons full, (you can also use a piping bag for this)
Place in preheated oven for 40-45 min. (until light golden brown) keep checked you do not want to overbake. After they are done turn off oven but leave them in oven for around 1 hour to gradually cool off (do not open oven door in this time)
After 1 hour take out of oven and let cool completely. While cooling make your creamcheese mixture. After completing cooled add creamcheese mixture on top and top off with pie filling or fruit of your choice.
(This is a favorite dessert of ours😊) Is also always a big hit when taking it to places.
Hope you Enjoy trying these! Let me know if you tried any and how you liked it🥰
#valentinesdayfood #valentinesday #valentinesdaydessert #lemon8contentcreator
Baking desserts for Valentine's Day offers a delightful way to express love through homemade treats. Starting with the New York Style Cheesecake, I found that using a water bath to bake ensures a creamy and crack-free finish, which really elevates the texture. Chilling the cheesecake overnight is key to developing its rich flavor and makes slicing much easier. For the Sourdough Strawberry Scones, incorporating fresh strawberries adds a juicy burst of sweetness balanced by the tangy sourdough starter, which lends a subtle complexity and depth of flavor to the scones. I always recommend using cold butter and working it quickly into the flour to achieve that perfect flaky texture. Adding a simple vanilla glaze at the end gives them a lovely shine and extra sweetness. Meringue Shells are a lovely light dessert option that pairs wonderfully with creamy fillings. Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks and gradually adding sugar is essential for stability and the delicate crisp exterior. Cooling them slowly inside the turned-off oven prevents cracking. The cream cheese filling mixed with powdered sugar and cool whip adds a creamy, sweet contrast to the crisp meringue. I've topped mine with fresh berries or pie filling to add a pop of color and flavor. These desserts not only look impressive but also provide a range of textures—from creamy to flaky to crispy—making them perfect to share and enjoy on Valentine’s Day. When preparing these recipes, take your time with each step for best results, and don’t shy away from personalizing the fillings or toppings to your taste. Baking homemade desserts creates a memorable, heartfelt experience, perfect for celebrating love and special moments.
