This year for Hanukkah (or any other occasion), we’ve got a show-stopping Blueberry Cheesecake made with Lifeway Farmer Cheese you’re going to love. Featuring a classic blueberry flavor with a rich cheesecake base, this recipe is made completely with Lifeway Farmer Cheese and Lifeway Kefir with no cream cheese required.
Since our cultured cheese is thick in texture, mild in flavor, and has a mild tang similar to cream cheese and ricotta, it can be used interchangeably in endless variations and recipes for other cheeses (see our handy substitution chart here!). Our low-fat plain kefir enhances the creaminess of this cheesecake’s base, and it helps keep it tender and creamy throughout each bite while also increasing the natural protein and satiating powers of this indulgent dessert.
For our Blueberry Cheesecake, we wanted to create a luscious dessert that is even more delicious with every bite to help you celebrate your holiday season to its full potential. This dessert delivers in a cheesecake flavor everyone will love with an added layer of decadence that makes it unique and unforgettable compared to other cheesecake recipes. Sweet blueberries cascade over the top of the cheesecake, which has a delicate mouthfeel and creamy texture, while the base of the cheesecake has a sensational crumbly texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
This recipe takes some time to prepare, so set aside an afternoon and get your oven mitts and baking ingredients ready. Although timely, it’s simple to prepare and is sure to impress guests no matter who you serve it to this holiday season. From our Lifeway family to yours, we hope you enjoy our Blueberry Cheesecake made with Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese. Enjoy!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese,a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 6 hours Servings: 12-14Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups organic graham cracker crumbs* - see notes for gluten-free option
- 6 tbsp. organic cane sugar
- 1/3 cup Lifeway Kefir Butter**
For the Filling:
- 4 1/2 cups Farmer Cheese
- 1 cup Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 4 cups blueberries, fresh
- 2/3 cups organic cane sugar
- 1 cup + 6 tbsp. water
- 8 tsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot starch if allergic)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees, Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp. cane sugar, and kefir butter together in a food processor or mixer until crumbs form. Press it into a 9-inch springform pan until it solidifies into a solid crust base. Bake 8-10 minutes until golden brown -- do not overbake.
- Prepare the Filling: Blend Lifeway Farmer Cheese, Plain Lifeway Kefir, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla in a food processor. Pour the filling into the baked crust. are an additional 60-90 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Times can vary based on ovens, your area's temperature, etc., so watch it from 60-90 minutes, and test every 8-10 minutes with a fork until it comes out clean.
- For the Topping: Make a slurry of 6 tbsp. water and the cornstarch (or arrowroot starch), then set aside. Next, add the 4 cups of blueberries and 2/3 cup cane sugar , plus the 1 cup of water to a deep pan on the stove. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken (this will help it set as it cools). Remove the pan from the heat, let it cool completely, then top the cheesecake with it. Tip: It helps to prepare this while the cheesecake is baking to save time!
- *For organic graham crackers, try brands like Annie's, or for gluten-free options, we love Simple Mills' brand graham style-crackers.
- **Find Our Kefir Butter Recipe Here!
