Cheesecake is a beloved dessert worldwide, known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. But when it comes to Indian vegetarian cooking, cheesecake might not be the first dessert that comes to mind.
This recipe beautifully marries the classic cheesecake with Indian vegetarian sensibilities, making it an irresistible treat for those looking to indulge without compromising their dietary choices. Using paneer and condensed milk, this Indian veg cheesecake offers a delightful twist, combining traditional Indian ingredients with a Western-style dessert.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cheesecake will impress with its smooth, luscious texture and subtle flavors.
Easy to prepare and requiring minimal baking skills, this Indian veg cheesecake is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so you can enjoy a slice without any guilt.
Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious fusion dessert in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indian veg cheesecake recipe is a fantastic fusion of traditional Indian ingredients and the classic cheesecake texture everyone loves. It’s:
- Vegetarian-friendly: Made with paneer and cream cheese alternatives, perfect for Indian vegetarian diets.
- Rich and creamy: The use of condensed milk and fresh paneer gives it a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples in Indian kitchens, making it easy to source and prepare.
- Customizable flavors: You can add cardamom, saffron, or rose water for an authentic Indian twist.
- Great for any occasion: Impress your guests or indulge yourself with this elegant dessert.
Ingredients
- 200 grams paneer (fresh and crumbled)
- 200 grams cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cardamom powder (optional, for flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted ghee or butter (for crust)
- 1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits or Marie biscuits (crushed for crust)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Equipment
- Springform cake pan (8-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Food processor or rolling pin (to crush biscuits)
- Spatula
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the digestive or Marie biscuits finely using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix the crushed biscuits with melted ghee or butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust: Transfer the biscuit mixture into the springform pan. Press it down evenly to form a compact base. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Prepare paneer: Crumble the fresh paneer finely and set aside. If your paneer is too crumbly, blend it lightly in a food processor to get a smooth texture.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the crumbled paneer, condensed milk, lemon juice, and cardamom powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add flour and vanilla: Sift the all-purpose flour into the mixture and fold gently. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake batter to keep it light and airy.
- Flavor infusion (optional): If using saffron, soak the strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for 5 minutes and add to the batter for a beautiful color and delicate flavor.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Cool and chill: Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Carefully remove the springform pan and garnish the cheesecake with chopped pistachios or edible rose petals for an elegant touch.
Tips & Variations
“For a lighter cheesecake, you can substitute heavy cream with hung curd or Greek yogurt. To make it vegan, try using cashew cream and vegan cream cheese alternatives.”
- Use homemade paneer for the freshest taste and smoothest texture.
- Try adding rose water or kewra water for a fragrant Indian aroma.
- For a no-bake version, chill the assembled cheesecake for 8 hours without baking, allowing it to set firmly in the fridge.
- Swap the biscuit crust with a base made from crushed nuts like almonds or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
- Experiment with toppings such as saffron strands, crushed pistachios, or a drizzle of honey to elevate the presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Sugar | 16 g |
Calcium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian veg cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of masala chai or a refreshing glass of rose-flavored lassi. For a festive touch, serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of homemade mango coulis.
You can also complement this dessert with other Indian sweets like Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or balance the richness with a savory snack such as Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe.
For those who love experimenting with fusion desserts, you might also enjoy trying a Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe, which offers a different yet equally delicious take on creamy desserts.
Conclusion
This Indian veg cheesecake recipe is a delightful way to bring a new twist to your dessert repertoire, combining the best of Indian flavors with the classic cheesecake texture. It strikes a perfect balance between rich and light, creamy and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, celebrations, or just a special treat for yourself.
With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable options, it’s an accessible recipe that anyone can master in their kitchen.
Whether you choose to bake it or opt for a no-bake version, this cheesecake will satisfy your sweet cravings while honoring vegetarian traditions. Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for savory meals or the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a tangy accompaniment.
Happy cooking and indulging!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheesecake Recipe Indian Veg
Description: A creamy and delicious Indian-style vegetarian cheesecake infused with cardamom and saffron. Perfect for festive occasions or a special dessert.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 200g digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 400g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 150g condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp saffron strands soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and press into a springform pan to form the base.
- In a bowl, blend paneer and cream cheese till smooth.
- Add condensed milk, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and fold into the cheese mixture.
- Pour mixture over the biscuit base and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 28 g
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