Strawberry cheesecake is a decadent treat that is popular at informal get-togethers, fancy shindigs and everything in between. Adding one of a few simple embellishments to your cheesecakes is an easy way to bump up the wow factor of your dessert, creating a tasty treat that is also a feast for the eyes.
Chocolate Strawberry Fans
Chocolate strawberry fans are an elegant edible embellishment that require only two simple ingredients. Clean a strawberry thoroughly and slice off the green top. Starting at the tip of the strawberry, use a sharp knife to make several long cuts through the fruit. Stop cutting just before you hit the base of the strawberry. Slice the entire strawberry this way, making one cut every 1/8 of an inch. Grasp the strawberry at the base with your fingertips and pinch lightly to splay into a fan shape. Place one one each cheesecake slice and wedge small squares of chocolate between each strawberry slice.
White Chocolate Strawberry Swirl
For a visually stunning strawberry cheesecake decoration that also tastes great, try a simple white chocolate strawberry swirl. Make a thick white chocolate ganache by melting several squares of plain white chocolate in a double boiler. Add about 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream to your melted chocolate, stirring slowly to form the frosting. While still warm, spread in a thin layer on top of your cheesecake. Spread as evenly as possible for best results.
Use a spoon to drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberry syrup over the ganache. Drag the tip of a toothpick in the ganache, making swirling motions until the red and white toppings take on an attractive pattern.
Sugared Strawberries
Whole sugared strawberries add a rustic touch. A couple hours before serving, wash whole strawberries and prick each one several times with a fork or the tip of a sharp knife. Cut off the green tops, and place the strawberries in a bowl with 1 cup of lemon juice. Toss to coat the strawberries in juice, and sprinkle liberally with granulated white sugar. As the fruit sits it will macerate, becoming soft and flavorful in the process. Add the strawberries to your cheesecake immediately before serving.
Crustless Strawberry Edging
This non-edible cheesecake topping is a practical way to use up parts of the strawberry you would normally throw away. Start by removing the crust from the sides of your cheesecake with a thin, sharp knife. Set aside in a bowl and crumble with a fork. If it takes on a mushy consistency add some graham cracker crumbs and mix until dry. Along the edges of your now bare cheesecake, arrange a single line of strawberry tops, pushing in gently to cement them in the cake. Top the cheesecake with the crumbled crust and one large, whole strawberry.
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