Hamdi Saidani Ina Garten Mixed Berry Cheesecake is made with a creamy cheesecake base, buttery graham cracker crust, and a topping of sweet mixed berries. It serves 8–10 and takes about 1 hour plus chilling time. It’s rich, fruity, and beautiful to serve!
💜 Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Mixed Berry Cheesecake:
- Rich and creamy filling: Smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Sweet-tart berry topping: Adds freshness and a beautiful color contrast.
- Perfect for holidays or birthdays: Elegant enough to impress any guest.
- Easy to slice and serve: Holds its shape beautifully when chilled.
- Make-ahead dessert: Perfect for busy hosts—just chill and top later.
- Customizable: Use any berry combo or add a drizzle of chocolate or lemon sauce.
- Classic cheesecake flavor: Balanced, not too dense, and crowd-pleasing.
🫐 Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 lbs cream cheese (room temp)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temp)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For the berry topping:
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
🥧 Directions:
- Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until creamy.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour filling over crust. Bake in a water bath for 50–60 minutes until the center is just set.
- Turn off oven and let cheesecake sit inside with door slightly open for 1 hour. Chill overnight.
- Prepare the berry topping: In a pan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- If you want it thicker, stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Cool before topping the cheesecake.
- Serve: Spoon the berry mixture over the chilled cheesecake before serving.
✅ Recipe Tips:
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends smoother and avoids lumps.
- Don’t overmix: Overbeating adds too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Use a water bath: It helps the cheesecake bake evenly and stay creamy without cracking.
- Chill completely: Let it cool in the oven, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
- Fresh berries work best: But frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
- Make ahead: Cheesecake gets better the next day—flavor and texture improve with time.
🍷 What To Serve With Mixed Berry Cheesecake?
Serve Mixed Berry Cheesecake with hot coffee, tea, or a chilled dessert wine. Add extra fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also great with lemon zest, mint leaves, or a side of raspberry sauce for extra flavor.
🧊 How To Store Leftovers Mixed Berry Cheesecake?
- In the fridge: Cover with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. Store leftovers mixed berry cheesecake for up to 4–5 days. Add berry topping just before serving for freshness.
- In the freezer: Freeze leftovers mixed berry cheesecake (without topping) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top with fresh berries when ready to serve.
❓ FAQs
What berries can I use in mixed berry cheesecake?
You can use any combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even cherries in a mixed berry cheesecake. Fresh berries are ideal for texture and taste, but you can also use frozen berries—just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the topping.
How do I keep a cheesecake from cracking?
To prevent cracks in your cheesecake, mix the batter slowly to avoid adding too much air. Bake it in a water bath to keep the temperature even and retain moisture.
Do I need a water bath for baking cheesecake?
Yes, using a water bath helps your cheesecake bake slowly and evenly. It prevents the edges from overbaking while the center cooks through gently. This technique also helps maintain a creamy texture and reduces the chances of the cheesecake cracking on top.
How long should I chill cheesecake before serving?
Cheesecake should be chilled for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. Chilling allows the filling to set properly, enhances the flavor, and makes slicing easier.
Can I make mixed berry cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the cheesecake and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Add the berry topping shortly before serving so the colors and flavors stay fresh and vibrant.
What cream cheese should I use for cheesecake?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest texture. It should be at room temperature so it blends easily without lumps. Avoid low-fat versions, which can lead to a thinner, less smooth filling that may not set properly.
Why did my cheesecake crack in the middle?
A cracked cheesecake can happen if it’s overmixed, baked at too high a temperature, or cooled too quickly. It’s still perfectly edible and delicious, and you can easily hide cracks with the berry topping or whipped cream.
📊 Mixed Berry Cheesecake Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
