Dutch Sinterklaas Cheesecake with White Chocolate & Speculoos: A Festive Holiday Delight
As the festive season approaches, especially in the Netherlands, December 5th marks a very special occasion: the birthday of Saint Nicholas, or Sinterklaas! This beloved tradition is celebrated with unique treats, and today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly blends classic Dutch holiday flavors with a modern, indulgent dessert: the Dutch Sinterklaas Cheesecake with White Chocolate. Imagine a rich, creamy cheesecake infused with the distinctive warmth of speculoos (or kruidnoten) spices, complemented by sweet white chocolate. It’s truly a showstopper for any celebration, bringing a touch of Dutch charm to your dessert table. Get ready to bake a memorable masterpiece!
The Irresistible Blend: Pepernoten, White Chocolate, and Creamy Cheesecake
This isn’t just any cheesecake; it’s a sweet, spiced sensation designed to capture the essence of Sinterklaas. At its heart lies a delightful creamy filling, subtly hinting at the beloved kruidnoten flavor. The magic begins with the base: a crispy, aromatic crust made from crumbled spiced cookies (commonly known as pepernoten or kruidnoten in Dutch, often referred to as gingerbread nuts in English) and pockets of melted white chocolate. The combination of the spicy, buttery cookie base with the sweet, smooth white chocolate creates an incredible foundation that perfectly balances the creamy top layers. Crafting this base is surprisingly simple – a quick pulse in a food processor or a good old rolling pin does the trick!
Moving upwards, you’ll discover a luxurious, creamy filling. This decadent layer is a harmonious blend of velvety cream cheese, a touch of rich cream, pure vanilla extract, and eggs, resulting in a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. But the flavor journey doesn’t stop there! A generous layer of speculoos spread is artfully swirled through the cheesecake batter. This swirl is not only visually stunning, creating beautiful marbled patterns, but also infuses every bite with an extra burst of that iconic spiced cookie flavor. The best part? Each swirl is unique, making every Sinterklaas cheesecake a one-of-a-kind creation.
Many home bakers perceive cheesecakes as tricky to master, often fearing cracks or an uneven bake. However, this particular recipe is designed for success. By following the detailed steps carefully, you’ll find that creating this show-stopping dessert is much easier than you might expect. It’s a foolproof guide to a perfectly baked, beautifully flavored cheesecake that will impress all your holiday guests. This delightful recipe has been thoughtfully adapted from the acclaimed book Cheesecake of Berko, ensuring a time-tested and delicious outcome.
Garnishing Your Biscoff Speculoos Swirl Cheesecake for Sinterklaas Celebrations
Once your Speculoos Cheesecake has had ample time to cool and set, the real fun begins: garnishing! This is where you can truly let your creativity shine and add those special touches that make it perfect for Sinterklaas. You can opt for a festive scattering of finely chopped pepernoten (kruidnoten), adding an extra crunch and burst of spice. For chocolate lovers, chocolate-covered pepernoten or small elegant chocolate decorations provide an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal. But if you’re looking for that classic, inviting touch, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is always a winner. As shown in the images, simply pipe a beautiful swirl or spoon a rustic cloud of whipped cream onto each slice, then gently press a single gingerbread nut (pepernoot) into its center. This simple garnish elevates the presentation and makes every serving feel like a special treat. No matter your choice, the result is always visually appealing, and I guarantee you’ll savor every single, delicious bite.
This Sinterklaas cheesecake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Dutch heritage and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones during the festive season. It combines the comforting flavors of traditional Sinterklaas treats with the universal appeal of a creamy cheesecake, making it an instant classic in your holiday repertoire. So, as you gather with family and friends on December 5th or throughout the holiday period, be sure to include this extraordinary Sinterklaas Cheesecake with White Chocolate. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a joyful Sinterklaas celebration!
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📖 Recipe: Dutch Sinterklaas & Speculoos Cheesecake with White Chocolate
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Cheesecake bottom
- 3½ oz. tea biscuits
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate
Cheesecake filling
- 1 cup cream cheese , room temperature
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg, size L
- 1 egg yolk, size L
- 1 tablespoon cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup speculoos spread
Garnish
- 1 cup cream, mixed with 2 tablespoons of sugar until it’s stiff.
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Cheesecake bottom
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (top and bottom heat). Preferably, use a conventional oven (see Tips).
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Put the cookies and chocolate in the bowl of your food processor and pulse until crumbled.3½ oz. tea biscuits, 2 tablespoons white chocolate
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Cover the bottom of the spring form with baking paper.
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Spread the crumbs on the bottom. Push the bottom smooth with the back of a spoon.
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Bake the bottom for 15 minutes.
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Remove the bottom from the oven and let cool. Meanwhile, turn the oven back to 300 °F.
Cheesecake filling
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Beat the cream cheese lightly on high speed and add the sugar, spoon by spoon. Then mix for another 2 minutes so that the filling becomes very airy.1 cup cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar
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Add the egg and egg yolk and mix well.1 egg, 1 egg yolk
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Pour in the cream and vanilla extract and mix everything for another 1 minute.1 tablespoon cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Set the mixer to low and add the flour.1 tablespoon flour
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Pour the filling into the baking tin and smooth the top.
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Heat the Speculoos paste au bain marie (or 30 seconds in the microwave) and drip on top of the cheesecake.½ cup speculoos spread
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Draw lines with a knife through the Speculoos and the cream cheese batter. That way, you get a nice marbled effect at the top.
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Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 80 minutes, then turn the oven off, but leave the cheesecake in the oven for 2 hours with the door closed. Do not open the door during that time.
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Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator and set it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Garnish
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Spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag and make a nice dot on the cheesecake.1 cup cream
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Press a pepernoot or halved Speculoos biscuit into the whipped cream.
Tips for Cheesecake Perfection: Ensuring a Flawless Bake
1. Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the cheesecake filling, it’s crucial that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures all ingredients blend smoothly and evenly, preventing lumps and creating that perfectly creamy texture we all desire in a cheesecake. Cold ingredients can lead to over-mixing, which introduces too much air, potentially causing cracks during baking.
2. Oven Selection for an Even Bake: If your oven offers multiple settings, opt for conventional heat (top and bottom heat) rather than convection. Conventional heat provides a more gentle and even baking environment, which is ideal for cheesecakes. This method helps prevent rapid rising and falling, significantly reducing the likelihood of cracks forming on the surface of your beautiful cheesecake. Consistency is key for a picture-perfect dessert!
3. The Power of Natural Vanilla Extract: While any vanilla extract will work, using natural vanilla extract can truly elevate the flavor profile of your cheesecake. The subtle, aromatic notes of real vanilla complement the warm spices of speculoos beautifully. If you’re a keen baker, consider making your own vanilla extract! It’s surprisingly simple, much more cost-effective than store-bought options, and a homemade bottle can last you for years, enhancing countless desserts.
4. Smart Storage for Lasting Freshness:
- Refrigerator: A baked cheesecake, properly covered to prevent it from drying out, will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to two days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
- Freezer: For longer storage, cheesecakes freeze exceptionally well! After it has fully set and chilled, slice the cheesecake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This method protects them from freezer burn. Your cheesecake slices can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. To enjoy, simply thaw the desired slices overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
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Explore More Festive Sinterklaas Delights
If you’re loving the festive spirit and delicious flavors of Sinterklaas, you’re in luck! We have a collection of other wonderful recipes perfect for celebrating the season or simply enjoying the unique Dutch holiday spices. From classic sweets to cozy breakfast options, these recipes will bring more joy and flavor to your home.
- Winter Meringues: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
- Homemade Dutch Speculaaskruiden Recipe: Capture the Taste of the Holidays
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Gingerbread Spices: A Cozy Breakfast