Whipped Cheesecake Biscuit Crunch

This whipped cheesecake with air fryer biscuit crunch and roasted berries is a no-bake dessert that delivers a delicious balance of creamy richness and fruity freshness. It’s an ideal treat when you want something indulgent yet light, perfect for both casual weekends and special celebrations.

This recipe became a go-to in my house the first time I made it for a dinner party. Everyone loved the way the air fryer made the nuts and biscuits perfectly toasted while the cheesecake stayed airy and smooth.

Ingredients

• Full-fat cream cheese: for the rich and creamy base of the cheesecake, opt for good quality for best flavor
• Icing sugar: provides sweetness and smooth texture, look for finely sifted powder
• Double cream: adds silkiness and body to the cheesecake, choose fresh and full fat
• Full-fat thick Greek yoghurt: adds a subtle tang and balances the richness, thicker yoghurt works best
• Vanilla extract or paste: classic flavor enhancer, real vanilla creates depth
• Lemon zest: brightens the cheesecake with fresh citrus aroma
• Fresh strawberries: ripe, firm berries roast beautifully and bring natural sweetness
• Shortbread biscuits: buttery and crumbly, pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheesecake
• Hazelnuts or macadamias: toasted nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor, use fresh and unsalted for best results
• Butter or olive oil: helps crisp the biscuit and nut mixture evenly during roasting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Smoothing the Cheesecake:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and icing sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This creates the silky base that holds the cheesecake together. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending.

Combining Flavors:

Add the thick Greek yoghurt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. Beat again until everything is well incorporated providing a balanced tangy and sweet flavor mixture.

Whipping the Cream:

Pour in the double cream and whisk gently until the mixture thickens but before it becomes stiff. This adds lightness and airy texture to the cheesecake so it feels indulgent without heaviness. Be careful not to over-whip at this stage.

Preparing the Strawberries:

Toss halved strawberries with icing sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl, making sure each berry is lightly coated for roasting. This enhances their natural juices and intensifies their sweetness.

Creating the Biscuit Crunch:

Roughly chop shortbread biscuits into crumb-sized pieces about half a centimeter wide. Roughly chop nuts as well and toss everything with melted butter or olive oil. This coat helps them roast evenly and crisp up beautifully.

Roasting:

If using an air fryer, preheat to 160 degrees Celsius. Roast strawberries for fifteen minutes and remove biscuit mixture after five to seven minutes once golden brown. If your basket is small roast in batches. For oven roasting, preheat to 180 degrees Celsius and roast strawberries for fifteen to twenty minutes, adding the biscuit mixture for the last five to seven minutes.

Serving:

Let roasted strawberries and biscuit crunch cool slightly before assembling. Spoon the whipped cheesecake into serving glasses or bowls, top generously with the warm roasted strawberries, then sprinkle the biscuit crunch on top for a crunchy finish.

Save

My favorite part has to be how the roasted strawberries transform into this jewel-toned topping that makes each bite pop. I remember my kids’ delight when they tasted the crunchy topping combined with the smooth cheesecake for the first time—pure bliss.

Storage Tips

Store cheesecake mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days but keep biscuit crunch separate to retain crunchiness. Reheat or serve biscuit crunch at room temperature before adding. Roasted berries are best eaten fresh but will keep for one day refrigerated.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap full-fat cream cheese with mascarpone to add richness but it will be slightly softer. Greek yoghurt can be replaced with sour cream for a different tang. Use any nut you prefer or even seeds for crunch. Butter can be swapped with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dessert in individual glasses or bowls garnished with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of extra icing sugar for something special. Pairing with a cup of black coffee or dessert wine complements the richness well.

Cultural Context

Whipped cheesecake is a lighter, no-bake take on traditional cheesecake popular in many Western countries. Using an air fryer to prepare biscuit toppings highlights a modern kitchen convenience that keeps cooking times short and textures perfect.

Pro Tips

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps when beating Avoid over-whipping the double cream to keep the cheesecake fluffy rather than stiff Toast nuts separately if you want an extra layer of flavor before mixing with biscuits

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve the perfect whipped texture for the cream cheese mixture?

Beat the cream cheese and icing sugar until smooth before adding yoghurt, vanilla, and lemon zest. Whisk in the cream gently to thicken without over-whipping, which keeps the mixture light and creamy.

→ What is the best way to roast the strawberries for optimal flavor?

Toss the strawberries with icing sugar and vanilla, then roast at 160°C for 15 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.

→ Can I use other nuts for the biscuit crunch?

Yes, macadamias or hazelnuts work well, offering a rich, buttery flavor that complements the creamy base and roasted berries.

→ Is it necessary to use an air fryer or can I bake the components?

Both methods work well. Air frying gives a quick caramelization, while baking at 180°C for similar times produces equally crisp biscuits and roasted strawberries.

→ How should I serve this dessert for best presentation?

Serve the whipped mixture in glasses or bowls, topped with warm roasted strawberries and sprinkled with the biscuit and nut crunch for a delightful contrast of textures.