Indulge in the rich flavors of Galicia with our exquisite Galician Cheesecake. This traditional delicacy embodies the essence of the region, boasting a velvety-smooth texture and a harmonious blend of creamy cheese and subtle sweetness. Crafted with the finest local ingredients, our Galician Cheesecake captures the essence of Galicia's culinary heritage in every decadent bite. Perfect for any occasion, savor the taste of tradition with this irresistible dessert straight from the heart of Spain's northwest coast.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 200g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
• 100g unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 600g cream cheese, softened
• 200g sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 200ml heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Lemon or orange zest

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2- Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

3- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, creating an even layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

4- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

5- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

6- Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest until everything is well combined and smooth.

7- Pour the filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.

8- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.

9- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gradually.

10- Once cooled, remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.

11- Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries, whipped cream, and additional lemon or orange zest if desired.

12- Slice and enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors of this traditional Galician dessert!

Note: This recipe yields a classic Galician-style cheesecake, but feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or variations.

Nutritional Values :

For the Crust:

200g digestive biscuits or graham crackers:

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 128g
• Protein: 10g

100g unsalted butter, melted:

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Fat: 100g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers: a source of carbohydrates and fiber.
• Unsalted butter, melted: a source of fat and adds richness to the crust.

For the Filling:

600g cream cheese, softened:

• Calories: 1560 kcal
• Fat: 156g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 24g

Benefits: a good source of protein and calcium.

200g sugar:

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: provides sweetness and energy.

4 large eggs:

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 24g

Benefits: a source of high-quality protein and various vitamins and minerals.

200ml heavy cream:

• Calories: 820 kcal
• Fat: 88g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 6g

Benefits: adds richness and creaminess to the filling.

1 tablespoon vanilla extract:

• Calories: 37 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.6g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: enhances flavor.

Zest of 1 lemon:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

Benefits: adds a bright, citrusy flavor and contains vitamin C.

Zest of 1 orange:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: adds citrus flavor and contains vitamin C.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and variations in preparation methods.