Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Germany! This Kirsch Käsekuchen with poppy seeds and streusel is not just a cheesecake—it's a decadent masterpiece that combines creamy richness, sweet cherries, and a crunchy streusel topping that will make your dessert dreams come true. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and leave your guests absolutely speechless.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 90 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 200g crushed biscuits
- 100g melted butter
- 500g cream cheese
- 200g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 200g sour cream
- 300g cherries (pitted)
- 50g poppy seeds
- 100g flour
- 100g butter (for streusel)
- 100g sugar (for streusel)
- 100g flour (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 26cm springform pan by lightly greasing it with butter.
- For the crust, mix crushed biscuits with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, creating an even base. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and no lumps remain. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Fold in sour cream, poppy seeds, and flour into the cream cheese mixture. Mix gently until ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Drain pitted cherries and pat them dry. Sprinkle half of the cherries over the biscuit base, then carefully pour the cream cheese mixture on top.
- For the streusel, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Use your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Scatter remaining cherries and streusel mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the cheesecake to set properly.
- Before serving, carefully release the springform pan and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture.
- Cherry Preparation: Pat the cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making your cheesecake soggy.
- Streusel Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly with your fingertips to create the perfect crumbly streusel texture.
- Baking Precision: Watch your cheesecake closely in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The center should be almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to achieve the perfect set and flavor development.
- Optional Kirsch Boost: For an authentic German touch, you can sprinkle a little kirsch (cherry brandy) over the cherries before baking for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 115mg
