Indulge in a sumptuous dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the tangy sweetness of poached guava slices and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply when you're craving something sweet.
#### Ingredients:
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 5 guavas (sliced)
- Water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 2 slices of lemon
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking pan or springform cake tin
- Knife and cutting board
- Saucepan
- Skewers (for guava)
- Spatula
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:**
- Preheat your oven to 160°C.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
2. **Assemble the Poached Guavas:**
- Place guava slices on skewers to prevent them from floating while poaching.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil along with cinnamon stick, star anise, and lemon slices.
- Carefully add guava skewers into the boiling liquid and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Poach for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender. Remove from heat.
3. **Bake the Cheesecake:**
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into a baking pan or springform tin.
- Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
4. **Cool and Refrigerate:**
- Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
5. **Prepare the Vanilla Ice Cream:**
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into a bowl.
- Keep chilled until ready to serve.
6. **Serve the Dessert:**
- Once your cheesecake is fully set and cooled, remove from the pan or springform tin.
- Garnish with poached guava slices and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Add fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of color and aroma.
7. **Presentation Tips:**
- Serve immediately to ensure the cheesecake is still firm but not too cold.
- Pair this dessert with a cup of coffee or tea for a complete indulgence experience.
### Conclusion:
This Cheesecake Poached Guavas & Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is perfect for creating an impressive and delicious dessert that will delight your guests. By following these detailed steps, you can achieve a rich cheesecake base complemented by the sweet tanginess of poached guava slices and a smooth vanilla ice cream topping.