classic and delicious cheesecake with shortcrust pastry and lattice icing

 

Classic and Delicious Cheesecake with Shortcrust Pastry and Lattice Icing

There’s something timeless and comforting about a well-made cheesecake. Creamy, smooth, and slightly tangy, it’s a dessert that speaks to both elegance and simplicity. But when paired with a buttery shortcrust pastry base and finished with a delicate lattice icing, the humble cheesecake transforms into a show-stopping centerpiece — perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just treating yourself to something special.

A New Take on a Timeless Dessert

Traditional cheesecakes often feature a biscuit base, but this recipe elevates the texture by using a classic shortcrust pastry. Crisp yet tender, the shortcrust adds a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich, velvety filling. And the finishing touch? A graceful drizzle of lattice icing that not only looks stunning but adds a subtle sweetness and elegant texture.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying cheesecake for the first time, this version is a must-bake.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• Velvety Texture: The creamy filling is smooth and luscious, thanks to quality cream cheese and a balanced mix of eggs and sugar.

• Buttery Base: Shortcrust pastry offers a homemade touch that gives a more structured, flavorful foundation than typical graham cracker crumbs.

• Elegant Finish: The lattice icing adds a beautiful decorative element and a gentle sweetness to balance the tangy cheese.

• Versatile & Impressive: Perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, or even as a make-ahead dessert for dinner parties.

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Recipe Overview

Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chill Time: 4+ hours or overnight
Difficulty: Moderate

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Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 egg yolk

• 2–3 tbsp cold water

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 500g (about 2 cups) cream cheese, room temperature

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or heavy cream

For the Lattice Icing:

• ¾ cup (90g) icing sugar

• 1–2 tsp milk or lemon juice (adjust for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

• Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

• Add egg yolk and water gradually, mixing until dough forms.

• Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Blind Bake the Crust

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Roll out the chilled pastry and press into a greased springform pan (about 8–9 inches).

• Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with baking weights.

• Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

3. Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

• Stir in vanilla, lemon zest, and cream.

• Pour into the cooled crust.

4. Bake the Cheesecake

• Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set.

• Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.

• Transfer to the fridge and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

5. Decorate with Lattice Icing

• Mix icing sugar with milk or lemon juice to a piping consistency.

• Fill a piping bag with a small round tip and pipe a lattice pattern across the top.

• Let icing set for 15–20 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.

• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can cause cracking — mix until just combined.

• Use a Water Bath (Optional): To prevent cracks, bake the cheesecake in a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger dish filled with hot water.

• Chill Thoroughly: Cheesecake needs time to set, so don’t skip the chilling phase.

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Final Thoughts

This Classic Cheesecake with Shortcrust Pastry and Lattice Icing blends traditional techniques with a touch of artistry. The shortcrust base offers a refined crunch, the creamy filling melts in your mouth, and the lattice icing gives it an elegant bakery-style finish.

Whether it’s for a celebration or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is bound to impress — both in taste and presentation.