Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) Digestive Biscuits (or Graham Crackers)
- 4 oz (115 g) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp (15 g) Granulated Sugar (optional, for crust)
- 2 lbs (900 g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, fully softened
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) Heavy Whipping Cream, cold
- 1 cup (120 g) Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar), sifted
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest
- 12 oz (340 g) Blueberries, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar (for compote)
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Lemon Juice (for compote)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Water
- 1 tsp (5 g) Cornflour (Cornstarch)
Instructions:
- Combine blueberries, compote sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, crushing some berries slightly to release juices.
- Whisk the cornflour and water together to form a slurry. Pour into the simmering berries and stir constantly for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and transfer 2/3 of the compote to a bowl to cool completely (for topping). Reserve the remaining 1/3 for swirling into the filling (optional).
- Pulse the digestive biscuits and sugar (if using) in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or crush them manually.
- Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and mix until evenly moistened, resembling wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese, sifted icing sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until absolutely smooth and lump-free (1–2 minutes). Do not over-beat the cheese.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a large rubber spatula in three stages until just combined. If desired, gently swirl the reserved 1/3 portion of the cooled compote into the filling.
- Spoon the creamy filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Cover loosely and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or ideally, overnight, until the cheesecake is firm.
- Run a thin, warm knife around the edge of the pan before carefully releasing the springform ring. Top the cheesecake with the remaining chilled blueberry compote just before serving.