Cheesecake with Figs to Share

For two to share

cheesecake with figs to share

Something sweet to bring you closer together, literally. This cheesecake was deliberately made smaller to encourage you share - so tuck in and enjoy!

5 plain digestive biscuits
40g unsalted butter
1 tsp caster sugar
130g cream cheese
70g whipping cream
60g icing sugar
½ tsp vanilla essence
1-2 figs
honey, to drizzle

Start by preparing the mould. Place a large food presentation ring (10cm in diameter x 5cm high) onto a plate lined with parchment paper. Trim and grease a strip of parchment paper and line it (greased-side on ring) along the inside of the presentation ring.

Break the biscuits up into a mini food processor and blitz to a fine crumb. In the meantime, cut the butter into small pieces, and gently melt in a small bowl in the microwave (about 45 seconds on medium-high). Remove from the microwave and stir in the teaspoon caster sugar. Immediately mix the melted butter into the blitzed crumbs and combine well. Tip the mixture into the prepared presentation ring and press down firmly with a small spoon to compact down. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.

In one bowl, use an electric hand mixer to soften the cream cheese. Set aside. Wash and dry the mixer attachments and beat the whipping cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. Add the icing sugar and vanilla essence and continue to whip until well-incorporated (be careful not to overwhip). Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese, then pour into the prepared ring over the biscuit base. Use the back of a spoon to smooth down the top. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge overnight.

When dessert time comes, remove the cheesecake from the presentation ring (its best to push it out from the bottom). Slice the figs using a sharp knife and arrange on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle with honey…

TIPS: If you cannot source a presentation food ring in the size we used, you could try making it in two smaller-sized ones. If this is also not an option, you could simply make it in ramekins (but you won’t see the layers)