{"id":5619,"date":"2025-11-08T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/?p=5619"},"modified":"2026-10-14T16:12:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T19:12:21","slug":"chilled-strawberry-cheesecake-for-new-years-eve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/chilled-strawberry-cheesecake-for-new-years-eve\/","title":{"rendered":"Chilled Strawberry Cheesecake for New Year&#8217;s Eve"},"content":{"rendered":"<html><body><p class=\"summarization\"><strong>This chilled strawberry cheesecake combines a biscuit base with cream cheese, condensed milk, strawberry pur\u00e9e and gelatine. It serves around 8\u201312 and can be assembled the day before New Year\u2019s Eve. Alternative ingredients need suitable setting methods, especially for a vegan version.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A <strong>chilled strawberry cheesecake<\/strong> brings colour and a fruity finish to your New Year\u2019s Eve meal. Follow the stages below, allowing plenty of chilling time, then decorate shortly before serving. Frozen berries can be useful out of season, provided you follow their packet\u2019s cooking instructions.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for chilled strawberry cheesecake<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/strawberries-biscuit-crumbs-and-cream-cheese-for-chilled-cheesecake-5619-1.webp\" alt=\"Strawberries, biscuit crumbs and cream cheese for chilled cheesecake\" title=\"Strawberries, biscuit crumbs and cream cheese for chilled cheesecake\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>200 g plain sweet biscuits<\/strong> \u2014 crushed into even crumbs. Digestives or a suitable plain biscuit can replace Brazilian cornflour biscuits; different biscuits change the base\u2019s sweetness and absorbency.<\/li>\n<li><strong>80 g butter, melted<\/strong> \u2014 to bind the crumbs. A firm plant-based baking block is an alternative; melted coconut oil produces a different texture.<\/li>\n<li><strong>500 g prepared strawberries<\/strong> \u2014 wash, hull and dry them, reserving 150 g for decoration and using 350 g for the pur\u00e9e. For frozen fruit, follow the packet and cook first if instructed, then cool fully. Fresh berries work best for the topping.<\/li>\n<li><strong>395 g sweetened condensed milk<\/strong> \u2014 check the tin\u2019s weight. Plant-based condensed milk is an alternative ingredient, but is not automatically lower in sugar or calories.<\/li>\n<li><strong>300 g cream<\/strong> \u2014 the Brazilian original uses tinned cream; double cream is a practical UK option for this rich filling. A plant-based alternative changes the setting behaviour.<\/li>\n<li><strong>200 g full-fat cream cheese<\/strong> \u2014 soften briefly for smooth mixing, without leaving it warm for an extended period. Ricotta has a different texture and is not a direct equivalent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Powdered gelatine, sufficient for the filling<\/strong> \u2014 the original specifies 12 g, but brands differ in strength. Check the manufacturer\u2019s quantity for this full mixture and its soaking and dissolving instructions. Agar requires a different preparation method and is not a direct substitute.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 tbsp sugar initially, with up to 3 tbsp more to taste<\/strong> \u2014 depending on the strawberries. The condensed milk is already sweetened, so omitting this extra sugar does not make the dessert sugar-free.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Juice of half a lemon<\/strong> \u2014 for flavour; it does not make the uncooked filling safe to store unrefrigerated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>4 tbsp strawberry jam, optional<\/strong> \u2014 for a glossy finish, or use a cooled homemade strawberry sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to make chilled strawberry cheesecake<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/preparing-strawberry-cheesecake-with-a-biscuit-base-5619-2.webp\" alt=\"Preparing strawberry cheesecake with a biscuit base\" title=\"Preparing strawberry cheesecake with a biscuit base\"><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Prepare the base:<\/strong> mix 200 g biscuit crumbs with 80 g melted butter. Press firmly into the lined base of a 22\u201324 cm springform tin and refrigerate for 15\u201330 minutes, until firm. Check that your tin is deep enough for the filling.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prepare the gelatine:<\/strong> use the amount checked against the manufacturer\u2019s instructions. Soak in the specified amount of cold water, then dissolve gently as directed. Do not assume every sachet weighs 12 g or use a fixed microwave time regardless of the product. Let the dissolved gelatine cool slightly without setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make the strawberry pur\u00e9e:<\/strong> blend 350 g of the prepared strawberries with 2 tbsp sugar and the lemon juice. Taste and add some or all of the remaining sugar only if needed. Sieve if preferred. Keep the remaining 150 g berries chilled for decoration. Any cooked frozen-fruit pur\u00e9e must be fully cooled before mixing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mix the filling:<\/strong> beat 395 g condensed milk with 200 g cream cheese until smooth. Mix in 300 g cream and the strawberry pur\u00e9e. Stir a little filling into the dissolved gelatine first to reduce the temperature difference, then gradually stir this back into the main bowl until evenly combined, following the gelatine product\u2019s guidance.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Assembling and chilling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pour the filling over the firm base and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set and cold throughout. Add the reserved strawberry slices near serving time for the freshest appearance. If the filling has not set sufficiently, serve it as a spooned dessert rather than attempting to unmould it.<\/p><\/li>\n<li><strong>Add a glossy finish:<\/strong> gently warm 4 tbsp strawberry jam with 1 tbsp water, then cool until no longer warm before brushing over the fruit. Alternatively, use a cooled strawberry reduction. Return the cheesecake to the fridge until serving.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unmould and serve:<\/strong> carefully loosen the edge with a thin knife, release the springform ring and transfer to a serving plate, supporting the base. Keep refrigerated until needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Storage and ingredient tips:<\/strong> cover and refrigerate at 5\u00b0C or below, using within 48 hours of preparation. Choose sound berries and mix briefly softened cream cheese until smooth. For a lactose-free version, every dairy ingredient, including the condensed milk and butter, needs a suitable replacement; for a vegan version, the gelatine and biscuits also need attention.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Strawberry cheesecake variations<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/strawberry-cheesecake-variations-and-individual-servings-5619-3.webp\" alt=\"Strawberry cheesecake variations and individual servings\" title=\"Strawberry cheesecake variations and individual servings\"><\/p>\n<p>These ideas change the flavour or presentation. Substantial ingredient substitutions also change the liquid balance, so test the setting method before relying on an adapted version for a party.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Classic cream cheese filling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Use the main recipe with <strong>200 g cream cheese<\/strong> and 395 g condensed milk for a rich filling. If the berries are sweet, reduce the optional extra sugar. Replacing some cream cheese with mascarpone makes a different, milder filling rather than a lower-fat version.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Yoghurt variation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A tangier variation can use thick Greek yoghurt in place of some dairy ingredients. The original suggests around 240 ml yoghurt and 2 tbsp honey instead of condensed milk, plus 200 g yoghurt instead of cream cheese; this substantially changes the recipe and needs a gelatine quantity matched to the revised mixture. <strong>Result:<\/strong> expect a different flavour and set, not a guaranteed direct replacement or a verified low-calorie dessert. Trial a small batch first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chocolate and strawberry version<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Add a thin ganache layer between the base and filling: melt 100 g dark chocolate with an additional 60 ml cream, cool, spread over the base and chill until firm before adding the filling. Alternatively, sift 1 tbsp cocoa into the filling and mix thoroughly. Finish with fresh strawberries.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Individual mini cheesecakes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Use small loose-bottom tins, lined muffin tins or dessert glasses. Press 1\u20132 tbsp crumb mixture into each and divide the filling between them. Smaller portions may set sooner, but allow at least 4 hours where possible and check that they are fully set. <strong>Tip:<\/strong> finish each with a strawberry half and a little cooled jam glaze.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vegan and dairy-free adaptations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For a vegan version, use suitable plant-based cream cheese, condensed milk and cream, dairy-free biscuits and a firm plant-based fat for the base. Gelatine is animal-derived: choose a tested vegan setting method or follow a suitable gelling product\u2019s instructions for this acidic dairy-free mixture. Agar usually needs heating and cannot simply be stirred into cold filling like prepared gelatine. Sweetened coconut milk is not automatically equivalent to condensed milk. Check allergens and trial the result before the event.<\/p>\n<h2>Decorating and serving at a New Year\u2019s Eve party<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/chilled-strawberry-cheesecake-and-a-slice-on-a-festive-table-5619-4.webp\" alt=\"Chilled strawberry cheesecake and a slice on a festive table\" title=\"Chilled strawberry cheesecake and a slice on a festive table\"><\/p>\n<p>Serve the <strong>chilled strawberry cheesecake<\/strong> cold, taking it out only when ready to slice. A warm, dry knife helps with clean cuts without needing to soften the whole dessert.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Assembly and decoration<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Arrange washed, dried whole or sliced strawberries around the centre and edge.<\/li>\n<li>Brush with cooled jam glaze or a light strawberry sauce for shine; this does not replace refrigeration.<\/li>\n<li>Pipe a little freshly whipped cream or a suitable cream cheese topping around the edge if desired.<\/li>\n<li>Add white chocolate shavings, washed mint leaves or gold decoration explicitly labelled edible, rather than craft glitter.<\/li>\n<li>Keep decorations light so they do not weigh down the filling or make slicing difficult.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cutting and serving<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dip a long, sharp knife in warm water, wipe it dry, then cut. Clean and dry it between slices.<\/li>\n<li>A 22\u201324 cm cheesecake gives roughly 8\u201312 slices, depending on the portions you choose.<\/li>\n<li>Chilled plates can help the portions retain their texture while being served.<\/li>\n<li>Set out enough forks and napkins, with a clean resting place for the serving knife.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Presentation on the celebration table<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use a simple serving plate on the table or dessert station, bringing the cheesecake out close to serving time.<\/li>\n<li>Soft lighting creates a warm atmosphere. Keep candles and other heat sources safely away from food and decorations.<\/li>\n<li>Offer extra strawberries or whipped cream in small chilled dishes, replenishing from the fridge as needed rather than topping up old portions.<\/li>\n<li>White, red and gold details can coordinate the dessert with a New Year\u2019s Eve theme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Transport and preparation ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Transport the covered cheesecake level on a rigid base inside an insulated carrier with frozen ice packs, maintaining 5\u00b0C or below. Refrigerate on arrival.<\/li>\n<li>Add the glaze and delicate decorations at the venue if the journey is long or the topping could be damaged.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the finished dessert covered in the fridge and use within 48 hours of preparation, or sooner if an ingredient\u2019s instructions require it.<\/li>\n<li>For a straightforward make-ahead plan, assemble the base and filling the day before so the gelatine sets in the tin. Add the fruit and glaze nearer serving time; do not chill the gelled filling separately and then try to spread it smoothly later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Storage, preparation ahead and portions<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/strawberry-cheesecake-stored-covered-in-a-cool-refrigerator-5619-5.webp\" alt=\"Strawberry cheesecake stored covered in a cool refrigerator\" title=\"Strawberry cheesecake stored covered in a cool refrigerator\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Storage, preparation ahead and portions<\/strong> \u2014 plan how to keep the cheesecake chilled and how many servings you will need.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Storage times<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fridge: keep covered at 5\u00b0C or below and use within <strong>48 hours of preparation<\/strong>. Preparing components earlier means their storage time starts earlier too.<\/li>\n<li>Freezer: the finished filling and strawberries can lose texture after freezing. If useful, freeze the biscuit base alone for up to <strong>1 month for quality<\/strong>, well wrapped, then thaw in the fridge before assembly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Storing it properly<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Leave the cheesecake in its tin while it sets and cover it without pressing film onto the topping.<\/li>\n<li>For transport, support it on a rigid board in a suitable container inside a cool box with frozen ice packs. Check the temperature; a cake box alone provides no refrigeration.<\/li>\n<li>If storing slices, separate them gently with baking parchment in a covered container so they are easier to lift out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recommended make-ahead plan<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Base: prepare it the <strong>day before serving<\/strong> and refrigerate until firm before adding the filling.<\/li>\n<li>Filling: mix and pour it into the tin the day before, then allow sufficient time to set. If preparing components separately, add the gelatine only when ready to assemble and chill the finished cheesecake.<\/li>\n<li>Decoration: add fresh strawberry slices and cooled glaze close to serving time, returning the dessert to the fridge afterwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Yield and portion sizes<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A 22\u201324 cm tin produces approximately <strong>8\u201312 portions<\/strong>, depending on how generously you slice it.<\/li>\n<li>Individual versions may produce around <strong>12\u201316 small desserts<\/strong>, depending on mould capacity. Check the filling volume against your containers rather than relying on an exact number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Practical tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep the covered cheesecake away from strong-smelling foods and raw ingredients in the fridge.<\/li>\n<li>Serve leftovers chilled within the original storage period. Aim for less than 2 hours out of refrigeration in total, and less in warm conditions; transport, decoration and display time all count.<\/li>\n<li>For an event, finish delicate decorations at the venue and keep the dessert cold until service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>A chilled dessert for New Year\u2019s Eve<\/h2>\n<p>This strawberry cheesecake combines a crumbly biscuit base with a creamy fruit filling. Make it ahead, give it time to set and keep the decoration simple for an attractive celebration dessert.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for reading. Follow us for more festive ideas and visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/\">I Love Christmas blog<\/a> for recipes and seasonal inspiration. Enjoy your celebration!<\/p>\n<h2>Chilled strawberry cheesecake: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>How should I store the finished cheesecake?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Keep it covered in the fridge at 5\u00b0C or below and use within 48 hours of preparation. Aim for less than 2 hours out of refrigeration in total, and shorter in warm conditions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I make the cheesecake in advance?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Assemble the base and filling the day before so it can set in the tin overnight. Add the strawberries and cooled glaze near serving time, and keep the cheesecake refrigerated until needed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How many portions does this recipe make?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A 22\u201324 cm tin gives around 8\u201312 slices. Individual moulds may give approximately 12\u201316 small desserts, depending on their size.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do I make a lactose-free or vegan version?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Replace every relevant dairy ingredient, including cream, cream cheese, condensed milk and butter. For a vegan version, also check the biscuits and replace animal gelatine with a suitable vegan setting method. Agar is not a direct cold-mix substitute; use product-specific guidance and test the adapted recipe first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How can I transport it without damaging the decoration?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Use a rigid base and covered container in an insulated cool box with frozen ice packs, maintaining 5\u00b0C or below. Keep it level, refrigerate on arrival and add delicate decorations at the venue if needed.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources and Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely\/how-to-chill-freeze-and-defrost-food-safely\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food Standards Agency \u2014 chilling, freezing and defrosting food<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.food.gov.uk\/food-safety-and-hygiene\/food-allergies-intolerances-and-coeliac-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food Standards Agency \u2014 food allergies and intolerances<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oetker.co.uk\/products\/s\/home-baking\/baking-ingredients\/gelatine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dr. Oetker \u2014 gelatine and vegetarian setting products<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Make a chilled strawberry cheesecake for New Year&#8217;s Eve, with a biscuit base, creamy strawberry filling and tips for decorating, chilling and transport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":16831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ocean_front_end_style_editor":"no","ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"","ocean_second_sidebar":"","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"","ocean_custom_header_template":"","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-christmas-recipes","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5619"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16841,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5619\/revisions\/16841"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}