Nut BOOM cheesecake

Ingredients

Almond Sponge Biscuit

110 grams (3.88 ounces) flour

20 grams (0.71 ounces) cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

40 grams (1.41 ounces) almond flour

150 grams (5.29 ounces) sugar

5 large eggs

Pistachio Cheesecake

220 grams (7.76 ounces) cream cheese

50 grams (1.76 ounces) cream (33-35% fat)

35 grams (1.23 ounces) sugar

1 large egg

22 grams (0.78 ounces) pistachio paste

Strawberry Confit

5 grams (0.18 ounces) gelatin

125 grams (4.40 ounces) strawberry puree

30 grams (1.06 ounces) sugar

6 grams (0.21 ounces) cornstarch

Vanilla Mousse

180 grams (6.35 ounces) milk

1 vanilla pod

350 grams (12.35 ounces) white chocolate

12 grams (0.42 ounces) gelatin

200 grams (7.05 ounces) half-whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1

1. The day before assembling the cake, prepare the almond sponge biscuit, pistachio cheesecake, and strawberry confit. Prepping in advance helps the flavors develop and makes assembly easier.

Step 2

2. For the Almond Sponge Biscuit: Preheat the oven to 170-180 °C (340-355 °F). Sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder into a bowl; add the almond flour and mix everything together. Sifting helps to incorporate air and remove lumps.

Step 3

3. Whip the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until you get a fluffy mass. Gently fold in the flour mixture with a spatula until smooth. Do not overmix. Overmixing can cause the sponge to be dense and less airy.

Step 4

4. Pour the batter into 2 molds of 18 cm diameter, or one mold to later cut into two parts. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Trimming the edges before assembly ensures a clean look.

Step 5

5. For the Pistachio Cheesecake: Preheat the oven to 130 °C (265 °F). Combine all cheesecake ingredients in a mixer bowl. Using room temperature ingredients helps to achieve a smoother batter.

Step 6

6. Grease the sides of a 14 cm diameter mold, line the bottom with baking paper, or cover a ring with foil. Pour in the batter and bake for approximately 1 hour. The center should still have a slight 'jiggle'. Let it remain in an open oven for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 7

7. For the Strawberry Confit: Soak 5 grams of gelatin in cold water in a 1:6 ratio. Be precise with gelatin measurement to get the perfect set.

Step 8

8. Heat the strawberry puree in a saucepan. Gradually add the sugar and cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly until it thickens slightly and starts boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the soaked gelatin. Mix until smooth.

Step 9

9. Pour the strawberry confit into a mold (sphere-shaped if desired) and freeze. Freezing helps in easy handling and assembly.

Step 10

10. For the Vanilla Mousse: Bring the milk and vanilla pod to a boil, then pour over the white chocolate and gelatin. Blend until smooth. Infusing the milk with vanilla enhances the flavor.

Step 11

11. Cool the mixture to 35 °C (95 °F) and gently fold in the half-whipped cream. Using a thermometer ensures the perfect consistency for folding in the cream.

Step 12

12. Assembling the Cake: Layer the almond sponge, pistachio cheesecake, and strawberry confit as desired. Optionally, you can also assemble the cake with creamy cheese cream instead of the mousse.

Servings

Picture this—a slice of this exceptional cake on your plate, ready to dazzle your guests or treat yourself to a slice of heaven. The balanced combination of almond, pistachio, strawberry, and vanilla flavors makes it a versatile delight for any occasion. First, serve it slightly chilled, as the textures and flavors meld beautifully when cool. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re feeling extra fancy, pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of aromatic coffee to elevate the experience further. For the presentation, consider garnishing the plate with some fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, this cake promises to be the showstopper that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Equipment

Mixer

An electric mixer will save you time and effort, ensuring your ingredients are well incorporated.

We recommend:

Prime

4.6

(15,839) Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (6.5QT, Silver) $159.99 View details

Sieve

A fine-mesh sieve is crucial for eliminating lumps from dry ingredients, giving you a perfectly smooth batter.

We recommend:

Prime

Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter

4.7

(13,107) Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter $12.79 $19.99 View details

18 cm (7-inch) Cake Molds

Using the right size mold is essential for the structure and layers of the cake. Ensure you have at least two molds for efficiency.

We recommend:

Prime

4.7

(10,401) Fat Daddio's PCC-73 Cheesecake/Cake Pan 7 x 3 Inch $13.75 $16.62 View details Prime

4.7

(8,539) HIWARE 8-Inch Round Cake Pan Set of 3, Nonstick Baking Cake Pans with 90 Pieces Parchment Paper, Dishwasher Safe $19.99 View details Prime best seller

4.7

(22,742) Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pan, 7 x 3 Inch $13.08 $17.60 View details

Baking Paper and Foil

Grease-proof baking paper for lining the molds and foil for wrapping the cheesecake mold to prevent leakage.

We recommend:

Prime

SMARTAKE 200 Pcs Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, 12x16 Inches Non-Stick Precut Baking Parchment, for Baking Grilling Air Fryer Steaming Bread Cup Cake Cookie and More (Unbleached)

4.8

(13,843) SMARTAKE 200 Pcs Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, 12x16 Inches Non-Stick Precut Baking Parchment, for Baking Grilling Air Fryer Steaming Bread Cup Cake Cookie and More (Unbleached) $16.99 $20.99 View details Prime

200 Pcs Unbleached Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, 12 x 16 Inch, Precut Non-Stick Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Air Fryer and Steaming - Unbleached, Fit for Half Sheet Pans

4.8

(13,786) 200 Pcs Unbleached Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, 12 x 16 Inch, Precut Non-Stick Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Air Fryer and Steaming - Unbleached, Fit for Half Sheet Pans $15.99 $19.99 View details Prime

[220 Sheets] Full Sheet Pan 16 x 24 Inch Parchment Paper Baking Sheets by Baker’s Signature | Precut Silicone Coated & Unbleached – Will Not Curl or Burn – Non-Toxic & Comes in Convenient Packaging

4.8

(6,395) [220 Sheets] Full Sheet Pan 16 x 24 Inch Parchment Paper Baking Sheets by Baker’s Signature | Precut Silicone Coated & Unbleached – Will Not Curl or Burn – Non-Toxic & Comes in Convenient Packaging $29.99 View details

Spatula

This tool is indispensable for gently folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of bowls.

We recommend:

Prime

HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5

4.7

(25,452) HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5 $9.59 $18.99 View details Prime

4.7

(18,655) Wilton Icing Spatula - 13-Inch Angled Cake Spatula for Smoothing Frosting on Treats or Spreading Filling Between Cake Layers, Steel $7.98 $8.75 View details

Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade

4.7

(2,358) Metal Spatula Stainless Steel and Scraper - Professional Chef Griddle Spatulas Set of 3 - Heavy Duty Accessories Great for Cast Iron BBQ Flat Top Grill Skillet Pan - Commercial Grade $19.99 $22.99 View details

Blender

A stick blender will help you achieve a smooth consistency when blending the vanilla mousse.

We recommend:

Prime

Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray

4.7

(102,420) Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray $99.99 $119.99 View details Prime

Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS

4.7

(38,140) Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS $49.99 $69.99 View details Prime best seller

4.4

(109,298) Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set $39.88 $49.99 View details

Variations

If you're looking to make this luscious dessert gluten-free, swap the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with a mixture of flax seeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed soaked in 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use vegan cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and vegan white chocolate for the mousse. Substitute gelatin with agar-agar, following the package instructions for the correct conversion. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy this elegant dessert without compromising on taste or texture.

Faq

How do I know when my sponge cake is done baking?
Your sponge cake is ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use store-bought pistachio paste?
Absolutely, store-bought pistachio paste works great and saves you some prep time. Just make sure it's high-quality for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Bake it at a low temperature and cool it gradually by letting it sit in an open oven before refrigerating overnight.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the almond sponge, pistachio cheesecake, and strawberry confit a day ahead and assemble the dessert when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth vanilla mousse?
Ensure your milk and vanilla mixture is well blended with the chocolate and gelatin, and let it cool before incorporating the half-whipped cream to get a lush texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the mousse?
Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate, depending on your flavor preference. Just note that it might alter the overall taste profile slightly.