Description
Carrot Halwa Cheesecake Bites are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and traditional carrot halwa. These bite-sized treats feature a buttery biscuit base, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a rich carrot halwa topping. Finished with a sprinkle of pistachios and delicate rose petals, they offer the perfect blend of indulgence and elegance for any occasion!
Scale
Ingredients
For the Cheese:
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- 1 cup fresh malai (cream)
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
For the Base:
- 7–8 digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter
- Carrot halwa as needed
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 200g cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For Topping:
- 2–3 tablespoons carrot halwa
- 1 tablespoon ground pistachios
- Rose petals (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese
- Pour the milk and malai into a large, heavy-bottomed pan and heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Add a pinch of salt and stir gently to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the vinegar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously stirring. You will notice the milk curdling as the solids separate from the whey.
- Once the milk has completely curdled, turn off the heat and strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or cheesecloth set over a large bowl. This will separate the curds from the whey.
- Rinse the curds under cold running water to remove any residual vinegar taste.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible from the curds, then transfer them to a blender jar. Add 5-6 tablespoons of the reserved whey water and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the blended cheese to a bowl lined with cling wrap, cover tightly, and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Your homemade cream cheese is now ready to use in the recipe.
Prepare the Base
- Add the digestive biscuits to a blender along with the melted butter. Blend until the mixture becomes a fine, sandy texture.
- Line a 6-inch cake tin with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour the crushed biscuit mixture into the tin and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or the base of a glass to create an even layer.
- Place the prepared base in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared cream cheese. Using an electric hand whisk, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until well combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk again until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
- Transfer the cheesecake mixture into a piping bag and set it aside for assembling.
Assemble the Cheesecake Bites
- Remove the chilled biscuit base from the refrigerator. Spoon a generous layer of carrot halwa onto the biscuit base, pressing it gently to ensure it is evenly spread.
- Pipe a layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the carrot halwa. Smooth the surface with a spatula for a clean, even layer.
- Place the assembled cheesecake bites in the refrigerator and chill for 3-4 hours or, preferably, overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly.
For Topping
- Once the cheesecake bites are set, carefully remove them from the refrigerator or freezer. Unmold them gently to maintain their shape.
- Garnish with a dollop of carrot halwa, a sprinkle of ground pistachios, and a few rose petals for an elegant touch.
Serve
- Serve the cheesecake bites chilled for the best texture and taste. These bites are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the rich, traditional flavors of carrot halwa!
Notes
For Preparing the Cheese
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heating and prevent milk from scorching at the base. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Add vinegar gradually, one tablespoon at a time, to control the curdling process. Stir continuously until the milk separates into curds and whey.
- Use a fine muslin or cheesecloth to strain the curds effectively. This helps remove all the whey and results in a smooth cheese texture.
- Rinse the curds thoroughly under cold running water to eliminate any sourness from the vinegar.
- Blending the curds with reserved whey creates a creamy consistency. Adjust the amount of whey added to achieve the desired smoothness.
- Freezing the cheese after blending firms it up, making it easier to work with when preparing the cheesecake layer.
For Preparing the Base
- Ensure the biscuits are crushed to a fine, sandy texture for a sturdy base. You can use a blender or a zip-lock bag and rolling pin.
- Combine the biscuit crumbs with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. This helps the base bind properly.
- Use the back of a spoon or the base of a glass to press down the biscuit mixture evenly in the tin. This ensures a firm and level base.
- Refrigerating the base allows the butter to set, providing a solid foundation for the cheesecake layers.
For Making the Cheesecake Layer
- If using homemade cream cheese, ensure it is smooth and soft before starting. Beat it thoroughly to remove lumps.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to maintain a smooth mixture and evenly distribute flavor.
- The cheesecake mixture should be thick yet pipeable, allowing for clean layering.
For Assembling the Cheesecake Bites
- Use slightly dry carrot halwa to prevent the layers from becoming soggy. Press it gently to create an even surface.
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the halwa. Smooth the surface using a spatula for a professional finish.
- Allow sufficient chilling time (3-4 hours or overnight) for the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
For Topping
- Carefully unmold the cheesecake bites to maintain their shape. Run a knife along the edges if needed to loosen them from the tin.
- A small dollop of halwa on top adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor too.
- Pistachios and Rose Petals add a touch of elegance and complement the Indian fusion theme with their vibrant colors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
- Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If desired, freeze the bites for longer storage and thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Category: Desserts, Festive Sweets
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: Cheesecake Bites, Indian Fusion Dessert,