In every home chef's repertoire, there's always that one dish that transcends seasons, the one you find yourself making, whether it's scorching summer or chilly winter. 

My no-bake granola cheesecake cup recipe is exactly that! In summer, it pairs beautifully with a medley of vibrant, fresh berries, while in winter, frozen berries work just as splendidly, ensuring you can enjoy this decadent treat all year round.

No-Bake Granola Cheesecake: A Recipe for All Seasons

• The first thing you need to do is to prepare the custard. So, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 70g sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla essence, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. 
• Heat 500ml of milk until it's warm, not hot, and gradually pour it over the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid cooking the eggs. This is called tempering the eggs, and it's the process that is necessary so you won't get scrambled eggs instead of custard.
• Return the mixture to the pot and cook either on low heat or in a double boiler, stirring continuously until a vanilla custard forms. I strongly recommend a double boiler if you haven't played with custards too much. It's safer this way.

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• You'll know it's ready when bubbles form in the center. Remove from heat and stir in a tablespoon of butter.

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• Strain to ensure smoothness, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

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• Of the 500g of mixed berries, take 250g and combine them with a teaspoon of lemon juice and 100g sugar.

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• Simmer until a jam forms, which should take no more than 5 minutes.

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• Remove from heat, add the remaining berries, and stir to combine.

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• Beat together 500g mascarpone with 150g powdered sugar. Add the prepared vanilla custard and mix well.
• Prepare a packet of gelatin according to package instructions and incorporate it, ensuring a homogenous mixture. Be sure everything is blended well.

Combine Everything

Now, let's do the layering: While I prefer crafting individual cheesecake cups, you can also create this in a larger single bowl. Either way, your layers should go as follows:

• Mascarpone mixture
• Granola
• Berry mixture

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• Another layer of mascarpone mixture
• Granola
• Another berry mixture

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• Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
• Before serving, sprinkle some fresh granola or almond flakes for added texture.

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A Birth from Winter Berry Cravings

This granola cheesecake recipe was born on a chilly winter day a few years back when my berry cravings hit, but fresh ones were nowhere to be found. Gratefully, my freezer is always stocked with a berry assortment, prompting an improvisation that yielded such a delightful result. Since then, it has been recreated multiple times, using both fresh and frozen berries, always ending with a delicious finale.

A Nod to Granola and No-Bake Cheesecakes

You know how much I love to talk about the history of the recipes that I write. So here are some wiki facts about today's dish.

Granola‍

Initially created in the late 19th century, is traditionally an assemblage of rolled oats, nuts, and sweeteners like honey or sugar, baked until crispy. It's often touted for its energy-boosting properties and is commonly consumed as breakfast or a snack. Check out our homemade recipe to explore how granola is made!

No-Bake Cheesecakes 

They are an easy creation and have been a dessert staple since the mid-20th century. Favored for its simplicity and rich, creamy texture, this dessert eliminates the need for an oven, making it accessible and easy to prepare.

FAQs to Navigate Your Cheesecake Endeavours

And before we say our farewells, here are some of the most frequently asked questions that may come to your mind regarding these Berry Bliss No-Bake Cheesecake Cups.

Q: Will granola make you gain weight?

A: Like any food, granola consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet is not likely to lead to weight gain. Be mindful of portion sizes!

Q: What granola is healthy?

A: Opt for granola that is low in sugar and fats and high in fiber and protein for a healthier choice.

Q: Can no-bake cheesecake be frozen?

A: Absolutely. Just make sure it's wrapped securely or stored in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: How long does no-bake cheesecake last?

A: Stored properly in the refrigerator, your cheesecake should stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Q: How is granola made?

A: Check out our granola recipe and discover the easy to follow instructions.

That's it. In the end, this easy no-bake cheesecake cups recipe truly is fitted for any occasion or season. May your dessert be as sweet and delightful as the moments that inspired it!