Mixed berries cheesecake

Using fresh ingredients to add color to desserts is a beautiful way to enhance their visual appeal and introduce natural flavors. Here are a few fresh ingredients you can incorporate into desserts to add vibrant colors:

Berries: Like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries can add various colors from red to purple. Use them as toppings, fillings, or sauces to bring a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor to desserts.

Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes not only add a refreshing tang but also contribute bright yellow, orange, or green hues. Use their zest, juice, or segments to flavor desserts like cakes, tarts, or sorbets.

Mangoes: Mangos have a beautiful golden-yellow color that can brighten up any dessert. Puree them to create mango sauces, glazes, or coulis for cakes, puddings, or ice creams.

Matcha Powder: Matcha powder, made from finely ground green tea leaves, adds vibrant green color to desserts. Use it in cakes, cookies, or frostings for a unique and earthy flavor.

Beetroot: Beets can impart a rich reddish-purple color to desserts. Roast or steam beets, then puree or grate them to incorporate into cakes, brownies, or even homemade ice cream.

Turmeric: Turmeric has a bright yellow color and a mildly spicy flavor. Use a pinch of turmeric powder to add a warm golden hue to custards, rice puddings, or smoothies.

For a festive twist on mixed berries cheesecake that incorporates the colors red and blue for the 4th of July celebrations, you can create individual servings in glasses.

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Serves : 3-4

Ingredients

• Fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries) 2 cups
• Sugar (adjust to taste) 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavors) 1 tablespoon
• Mixed berries puree 200 ml
• Cream cheese 2 tbsp
• Greek yogurt 200 gms
• Cream 100 ml
• Sugar 2 tbsp
• Gelatin 2 tbsp soaked in 4-5 tbsp of water
• Fresh blueberries extra

Method

1. Place the berries in a pan. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice (if using) to the berries.
2. Place on medium heat till they turn mushy. Let them cool down to room temperature. Blend or process the mixture until smooth.
3. You can adjust the consistency by blending for a shorter time for a slightly chunky texture or longer for a smoother puree. Sieve the puree if necessary. 
4. Warm up the puree in a pan. Add half of the soaked gelatin to the puree and mix till well combined.
5. Pour in the serving glasses and allow it to set for an hour or two.
6. Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese, yogurt, and cream in a mixing bowl.
7. Pour in a pan and warm it up slightly and add the gelatin.
8. Whisk till well combined. Pour it gently onto the berry layer. Let it set for an hour or two.
9. Top it up with fresh blueberries and serve chilled.