Skyr cheesecake

Skyr cheesecake

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Discover a new take on the classic cheesecake with our light and creamy skyr version, inspired by Icelandic tradition. Our recipe features a rich blend of almonds and dates for a base, layered with a luxurious yet light topping of berry-infused skyr. Each bite offers a harmony of flavours, with acacia honey, fresh lemon, and vanilla enhancing the experience. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a snack that is as good to look at, as it is to eat.
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 165 °C (traditional oven). Toast the almonds in a roasting tin in the centre of the oven for approx. 12 minutes. Cool slightly.
  • Place the toasted almonds in a food processor and blend them at the highest setting for about 1 minute.
  • Add the dates and salt. Process at the fastest speed for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth.
  • Clamp a sheet of baking paper between the ring and base of a springform pan (approx. 22 cm in diameter).
  • Press the almond mixture into the mould and refrigerate, covered.
  • Soak the gelatine in cold water for about 5 minutes.
  • Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender. Process at the highest speed for about 3 minutes or until smooth.
  • Mix the blended cottage cheese with the skyr, honey and remaining ingredients.
  • Remove the gelatine from the water and melt in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Cool the gelatine with about 100 ml of the skyr mixture then stir it into the rest of the skyr mixture.
  • Pour the mousse onto the cold almond and date base.
  • Cover the cake and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Carefully remove the cake from the mould and place it on a platter. Decorate with fresh berries.
Enjoy!
Decorating tips for your skyr cheesecake

You can make your skyr cheesecake look stunning by adding fresh berries for a splash of colour and sweetness. Dot with a few brightly coated date balls, a creative way to not only add a splash of colour but mimic the flavours of the almond-date base as well. A sprinkling of shaved chocolate or pistachios adds interesting textures and flavours. Elegant fresh flowers like pansies, violas, chamomile or lavender can also make your dessert look as good as it tastes. You can also add vibrant colours to your cheesecake by mixing a few drops of food colouring into the skyr mixture before it sets. These decorating touches not only make your cheesecake more attractive but can also enhance its flavours.

Questions about skyr cheesecake

Explore the secrets of our skyr cheesecake, a blend of Icelandic tradition and creamy delight. We answer your top questions about this unique snack, from finding the key ingredient to nailing the presentation. Learn to make skyr cheesecake like a pro and wow your guests with this delicious treat.

Can I make the skyr cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! For the best flavour and texture, prepare the skyr cheesecake a day before you plan to serve it. Once assembled, put it in the fridge to set. This step lets the flavours blend well and allows the cheesecake to firm up. An overnight chill is ideal, but if you're short on time, at least four hours will do.
Can I freeze the skyr cheesecake?
While you can freeze this recipe for up to four week, it’s best to eat the cheesecake soon after making it for the freshest flavour and texture. To freeze, cover it well in plastic wrap and place it in a container that seals tightly. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost the cheesecake in the fridge.
What is the best way to store leftover skyr cheesecake to maintain its freshness?
For fresh-tasting skyr cheesecake, get leftovers back into the refrigerator as soon as possible. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container to keep out other flavours and retain moisture. Enjoy the cheesecake within a few days to savour its best quality and taste.

Ingredients

Base
Almonds
250 g
Dates without stones
15
Coarse salt
¼ tsp
Skyr cheesecake
Arla® Skyr with wild berries
500 ml
Gelatine Sheets
3
Cottage cheese
200 g
Acacia honey
1 tbsp
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tbsp
Lemon zest, finely grated
1 tsp
Vanilla powder
½ tsp
To garnish
Mixed berries (e.g., blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
250 g

Get the skyr consistency just right

Achieving the perfect skyr consistency is essential for this recipe. To get it just right, start with high-quality skyr that has a thick, creamy texture. If it’s too thin or runny, consider straining it through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any excess liquid, resulting in a denser and more luxurious consistency. It's also important to gently fold the skyr into the other ingredients to maintain its texture and avoid overmixing, which can lead to a watery cheesecake. By carefully managing the skyr's consistency, you'll achieve a firm yet velvety cheesecake that perfectly complements the almond-date base and berry topping. This attention to detail will ensure each slice is as deliciously satisfying as it is visually appealing.

Optimal chilling for consistency and flavour

The chilling process is vital for achieving the perfect consistency and flavour in your skyr cheesecake. After assembling the layers, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours, ideally overnight, to allow it to set properly.

This extended chilling period enables the skyr mouse to firm up, ensuring a stable, sliceable texture that holds its shape beautifully when served. Chilling also enhances the flavours, allowing them to meld and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious and rich taste experience. The almond-date base also benefits from this resting period, becoming firmer and providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling. Proper chilling not only improves the texture and flavour of the cheesecake but also makes it easier to cut and serve, ensuring that each piece looks as impressive as it tastes.

The role of skyr in cheesecake texture

Skyr plays a crucial role in defining the texture of this cheesecake, offering a unique blend of creaminess and lightness that sets it apart from traditional cheesecakes. Known for its thick, creamy consistency, skyr adds a velvety smooth texture to the cheesecake filling, making it both rich and refreshing.

Unlike heavier cream cheeses, skyr is lighter, contributing to a firmer yet delicate structure that holds its shape beautifully while maintaining a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality. This balance of density and lightness ensures that each bite is indulgent without being overly heavy, providing a perfect canvas for the tangy berry topping. The result is a cheesecake that feels luxurious and decadent, but is light and delicate.

Mastering gelatine for the perfect cheesecake consistency

For the perfect set, it's important to handle gelatine properly. Start by soaking the gelatine sheets in cold water to soften them, preparing them for a smooth blend into your mix. After softening, squeeze out the extra water and melt the gelatine over a gentle heat until it fully dissolves, avoiding any lumps. Gradually add the melted gelatine to your skyr mixture, whisking constantly for a uniform consistency. Let the gelatine cool a bit, mixing it with some of the skyr before adding it to the rest, preventing it from setting too fast and creating an uneven texture. Following these steps will give your skyr cheesecake just the right firmness and creaminess to impress.

Adjust the sweetness of your cheesecake

If you find the natural sweetness from the date base a bit lacking, feel free to add more acacia honey to the skyr mixture. Do this bit by bit, tasting after each addition, until it's just right for you. Remember, the berry skyr adds its own sweetness to the snack. Acacia honey has a mild taste that pairs well with the tangy skyr, but you can also try maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavour. Add your chosen sweetener slowly, tasting as you mix, to find the perfect balance.

What size should my springform be for this cheesecake?

Our recipe’s ratios work well with a 22 cm (approximately 9 inch) springform pan. This pan size helps spread the crust evenly and gives the filling the ideal thickness for consistent texture and flavour. The springform pan's removable sides make it easier to take out your cheesecake, keeping its shape and look intact. For easy removal and to prevent the base from sticking, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper before adding the almond and date mixture. This step is essential for a professional result that will make an impression.

Almond-date base: a crunchy foundation

The almond-date base in this cheesecake recipe offers a deliciously crunchy foundation that perfectly complements the creamy, tangy filling. Made from ground almonds and dates, this base combines the natural sweetness and stickiness of dates with the rich, nutty flavour and satisfying crunch of almonds.

The dates act as a natural binder, eliminating the need for additional ingredients, while also providing a subtle caramel taste. This combination creates a textured crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety skyr and berry topping.

Add these snacks to your slice of skyr cheesecake

Enhance your skyr cheesecake experience by adding an assortment of snacks to each slice, creating a delightful medley of flavours and textures. Our recipe already pairs the creamy, tangy cheesecake with a handful of fresh berries, so why not serve with our berry fruit salad to further amplify these fruity notes? A sprinkle of granola or crushed nuts can add a satisfying crunch, complementing the smoothness of the skyr filling and the almond-date base.

For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle a bit of honey or a dollop of fruit compote over the top. You might also include a side of dark chocolate pieces, coconut flakes or a slice of sweet potato brownie to provide a touch of richness and variety. These additions not only elevate the presentation but also offer a personalised and dynamic eating experience, making each bite of your skyr cheesecake uniquely delightful.

Create individual skyr cheesecake portions

Creating individual skyr cheesecake portions transforms this delightful treat into a personalised treat, perfect for easy, on-the-go snacking. By layering the almond-date base, skyr filling, and forest berry topping into small jars or ramekins, each bite becomes a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This also offers flexibility in serving, as individual portions can be prepared and stored in advance, making snack time effortless and enjoyable.

For variety, serve your mini skyr cheesecakes alongside individual portions of raspberry or blueberry trifle, a delightful celebration of complementary flavours and variations.