BLUEBERRY MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Blueberry Mascarpone Cheesecake image

My grandmother Alma made the best cheesecakes on the planet, including a white chocolate cheesecake that was to die for. My grandmother used Philly cream cheese, but I also add mascarpone to my cheesecake, for a flavor that is a little lighter and less sweet, yet still rich and delicious.

Provided by Cat Cora

Categories dessert

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Unsalted butter for the pan
3/4 pound (1 1/ 2 cups) mascarpone cheese, softened
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup plus about 2 tablespoons sugar, plus more for the pan
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)
Whipped cream or creme fraiche (store-bought or homemade; optional)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the middle. Butter a 9-by-2-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan and dust with sugar, tilting the pan to coat and discarding any excess.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mascarpone, cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Turn the mixer to low and add the flour, scraping the bowl to make sure it is incorporated.
Pour the batter into the pan. Bake until the top of the cake is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the cake cool in its pan on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the cheesecake. If using a cake pan, invert a serving plate over the pan and reinvert the cheesecake on the plate. If using a springform pan, remove the sides and set the bottom on a serving plate. Let cool completely.
In a medium bowl, mix the blueberries with the 2 tablespoons sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest. If using fresh berries, crush a few with the back of a spoon to encourage juices to form. (Taste the fruit; if it's too tart, add another teaspoon of sugar.)
When ready to serve, dust the cheesecake with confectioners' sugar, if using, and spoon the blueberries over the cheesecake. Cut and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche, if you like.