Pitaya and Black Goji Berry Cheesecake

Pitaya and Black Goji Berry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 🍪
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
• 3 large eggs 🥚
• 1/2 cup pitaya (dragon fruit) puree 🐉
• 1/2 cup black goji berries (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained) 🍇

• For the Topping:

• Fresh pitaya slices, for garnish (optional) 🐉
• Fresh black goji berries, for garnish (optional) 🍇

Instructions:

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

2️⃣ For the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust.

3️⃣ For the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4️⃣ Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.

5️⃣ In a blender or food processor, blend the pitaya puree until smooth. Stir the pitaya puree into the remaining half of the cheesecake batter until fully incorporated.

6️⃣ Pour the pitaya cheesecake batter over the plain cheesecake batter in the springform pan, creating a marbled effect.

7️⃣ Sprinkle the soaked and drained black goji berries evenly over the top of the cheesecake batter.

8️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The cheesecake may still jiggle slightly in the center.

9️⃣ Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

🔟 Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Before serving, garnish with fresh pitaya slices and black goji berries if desired.

Slice and serve this unique and delicious Pitaya and Black Goji Berry Cheesecake!

Yield: This recipe makes one 9-inch cheesecake, serving about 12-14 people.

Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of pitaya and black goji berries in this delightful cheesecake creation!