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Cypriot Baked Cheesecake

Cokones
A delightful twist on the classic cheesecake, made with Cypriot ingredients. This baked treat highlights the creamy richness of local Anari cheese combined with a subtle hint of honey. Perfect for a unique dessert experience.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chill Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Chopper blender
  • 26cm round springform pan
  • Mixer

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

  • 200 gr. Cypriot Arkateno Rusk Cypriot Rusk
  • 100 gr Roasted Almonds Finely Chopped
  • 150 gr sugar
  • 150 gr Melted Unsalted Butter

For the topping:

  • 100 ml Fresh Cream
  • 100 gr Dark Chocolate

For the filling:

  • 500 gr Fresh Cypriot Anari Cheese
  • 200 gr Sugar
  • 4 Eggs Room Temperature
  • 1 tbsp Tahini Paste
  • 3 tbsp Syrup from Mandarine "Spoon" Sweet
  • Zest from 1 Mandarin
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cream
  • 2 tbsp Cornflour
  • 1/2 tbsp Salt
  • To serve:
  • Roasted sesame
  • Mandarin Sweet Preserve

Instructions
 

  • Method
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Line a 26 cm springform pan with parchment paper.

For the Base:

  • In a food processor, combine the Arkatenia biscuits, almonds, and butter. Blend thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Spread the biscuit mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press it down firmly to create a smooth, even base.
  • Bake the base for 10 minutes. Set aside and let it cool completely.

For the Cream Filling:

  • In a food processor, blend all the ingredients except for the eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined (about 1 minute).
  • Transfer the mixture to a bowl or a stand mixer. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, while mixing.
  • Butter the sides of the springform pan and carefully pour the cream mixture over the cooled base, ensuring the base remains intact.
  • Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on your oven.
  • The dessert is ready when the surface is golden and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
  • Turn off the oven and let the dessert cool for 1 hour at room temperature.

For the Topping:

  • Heat the heavy cream.
  • Add the pieces of dark chocolate and stir until a smooth ganache forms.

Serving:

  • Remove the dessert from the pan and garnish with the chocolate glaze, mandarin marmalade, mandarin slices, and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

  • You can choose a different Sweet Preservative for this recipe like bergamot, orange or Lemon.
  • You can also try different nuts for the crust like pistachios or walnuts
Spoon Sweets are homemade sweet fruit or vegetable preserves, served in a spoon as a gesture of hospitality in Greece and Cyprus.
Cyprus spoon sweets usually offered to guests served by the teaspoon in a small dish or in a glass of cold water, to accompany coffee or tea.  
Keyword arkateno, baked, cheesecake, cokones, Cypriot