ClemenGold® mandarins, known for their seedless nature and perfect balance of sweetness, add a burst of sunshine to this easy-to-make cheesecake. Their natural juiciness and aromatic zest infuse every bite with a refreshing tang that perfectly complements the rich, velvety cream cheese filling. Let’s dive into this citrus-kissed creation that’s sure to brighten your day!
Recipe at a Glance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: Overnight
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Servings: 8-10
Don’t let the overnight chilling time discourage you – the hands-on prep is a breeze, making this the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy home cooks!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 200g (7 oz) graham crackers, finely crushed
- 50g (1.8 oz) ginger snaps, crushed (optional, for extra zing!)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 500g (17.6 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped
- 2 tablespoons ClemenGold® mandarin juice
- 1 tablespoon ClemenGold® mandarin zest
For the Topping:
- 15g (0.5 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mandarin-flavored tea (or plain black tea)
- 3 ClemenGold® mandarins, juiced
- 3 ClemenGold® mandarins, peeled and sliced
Chef’s Tip: Can’t find ClemenGold® mandarins? While they offer the best flavor for this recipe, you can substitute with other sweet mandarin varieties or tangerines in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content if your citrus is more tart!
Ready to embark on a citrusy adventure? Let’s dive into creating this luscious No-bake ClemenGold® cheesecake that’ll transport your taste buds to a sunny mandarin grove!
1. Crafting the Perfect Crust
Start by giving your biscuits a good crush – it’s a great way to release any pent-up stress! In a medium bowl, combine 200g of crumbled Bakers Original Tennis Biscuits with 50g of crushed Ginger Snaps (if you’re feeling adventurous). Pour in 4 tablespoons of melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this aromatic mixture into a 20cm round baking tin, working it about 3cm up the sides. This will be the canvas for our creamy masterpiece!
Chef’s Tip: For an extra-crisp base, pop the tin in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
2. Whipping Up the Dreamy Filling
Now, let’s create cheesecake magic! In a large bowl, beat 500g of room temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add a 190g can of condensed milk, beating until the mixture is velvety and lump-free. Fold in ½ cup of freshly whipped cream for that luxurious, airy texture we all crave in a cheesecake.
Here comes the star of the show – our ClemenGold® mandarins! Grate 1 tablespoon of zest from these golden beauties, then squeeze out 2 tablespoons of their vibrant juice. Fold these into your cream cheese mixture, watching as sunny streaks of citrus swirl through the filling.
3. Assembly and Chilling
Pour your ClemenGold®-infused filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Now comes the hardest part – waiting! Cover the tin with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This patience-testing step allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
4. Creating the Crowning Glory
For the grand finale, we’ll create a glistening mandarin topping. In a small bowl, sprinkle 15g of gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, brew ½ cup of Sanibonani tea and let it cool slightly.
Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm tea until fully dissolved. Juice 3 ClemenGold® mandarins and stir this liquid sunshine into your tea mixture. Allow this to cool to room temperature – we don’t want to melt our perfectly set cheesecake!
Peel and slice 3 more ClemenGold® mandarins. Arrange these juicy crescents on top of your chilled cheesecake in a pattern that speaks to your inner artist. Gently pour the cooled jelly mixture over the fruit, ensuring every slice is enrobed in this citrusy glaze. Return your masterpiece to the fridge and let it set for at least 2 hours.
Pro Tip: For picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
There you have it – a No-bake ClemenGold® cheesecake that’s sure to brighten any day! The combination of creamy cheesecake, zesty mandarin, and that hint of ginger in the crust creates a symphony of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Chef’s Tips
As a seasoned chef with over a decade of experience, I’ve picked up some tricks to make this No-bake ClemenGold® Cheesecake absolutely irresistible. Here are a few insider tips to ensure your cheesecake turns out perfectly every time:
- For the creamiest texture, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help you achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- When pressing the crust into the pan, use the bottom of a glass to create an even layer. This little trick will give you a professional-looking base.
- Feel free to experiment with the crust! Try using graham crackers instead of Tennis Biscuits for a more American twist, or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- For a lighter version, substitute the condensed milk with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey. You’ll still get that creamy texture with less sugar.
- Serve this cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh ClemenGold® zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Nutritional Information
While this cheesecake is undoubtedly a treat, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s a breakdown of the basic nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
Remember, moderation is key! This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or as an occasional treat.
A Slice of History
No-bake cheesecakes have been delighting dessert lovers for decades. This style of cheesecake gained popularity in the 1960s when convenience foods were all the rage. It offered a quick and easy alternative to traditional baked cheesecakes, perfect for busy home cooks or those without ovens.
Our star ingredient, the ClemenGold® mandarin, adds a modern twist to this classic dessert. ClemenGold® is a premium citrus brand known for its seedless, easy-to-peel mandarins with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Originally cultivated in South Africa, these golden gems are now enjoyed worldwide for their consistent quality and vibrant flavor.
By combining the timeless appeal of a no-bake cheesecake with the sunny brightness of ClemenGold® mandarins, we’ve created a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a beautiful representation of how classic recipes can evolve with contemporary ingredients, bringing the best of both worlds to your table.
