Since arriving here in Australia a few weeks ago, one thing has been a regular feature of my evenings – the TV cooking competition Masterchef. It’s on six days a week and sees contestants chopping and stirring and icing and grilling and sweating and shaking and crying their way through custards and soufflés and fillets of fish and ribs and everything in between.
Now maybe you’ve seen the show. But if not, let me tell you, these contestants are beyond talented, night after night creating what can only be described as culinary masterpieces. There have been chocolate chili lava cakes, fish tostaditas served in the shape of a swan and an amazing sculpture-like ‘croquembouche’ dessert. It isn’t all so pretty, though. One girl literally started crying and shaking when she was presented with an ugly long black eel in a box for a mystery ingredient challenge. It looked just like a snake, which the poor girl happens to have a phobia of. She is also a vegetarian, and yet she still managed to create an amazing smoked eel salad while choking back her tears.
I’m always blown away by what incredible cooks all of the contestants are, but I also find myself thinking how on earth they can put themselves through something like this. Apparently, the experience is so intense that there’s a psychologist to help the contestants cope with it all. It makes me feel nervous just thinking about being on such a show.
So, sorry to disappoint you, readers, but I am not going to be appearing on Masterchef Australia or Masterchef UK or Masterchef any other country any time soon. Or ever. Not that I would have the talent to. Nope. I much prefer being a humble food blogger hiding anonymously in my kitchen and behind my computer screen. I can also experiment to my heart’s content and then post a recipe in my own time when I feel it’s ready to be presented to the world (or as ready as it’s ever going to be).
Another reason that I wouldn’t like to be on Masterchef is all that fancy food. I love to eat it, but as you know by now if you’re a regular reader here, I don’t do ‘difficult’. The kind of recipes I enjoy creating the most are the ones that end up looking and tasting pretty posh even though they have a tiny ingredients and cooking steps list. Such as … you know what’s coming next … these cute little blueberry & white chocolate cheesecakes. As you probably already gathered from the post title, they are a little lighter than a regular cheesecake thanks to using Greek yoghurt instead of cream and light cream cheese. Oh, and they are served in a glass.
I decided not to call these ‘deconstructed cheesecakes’ for fear of coming across all Masterchef when I just told you how much that really isn’t ‘me’. But that’s exactly what they are, really. They are just tablespoons of crumbled ginger cookies, a simple cheesecake of cream cheese, Greek yoghurt and white chocolate and blueberries roughly layered up in a glass. With a little extra grated white chocolate for good measure. I also added a little sprinkle of ground ginger here and there.
This was just as tasty as a regular cheesecake but with far less fuss. There was no base to construct and no baking. This is also the ideal kind of dessert to make ahead and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
I’m sure this dessert would never be Masterchef worthy, but I can’t deny that it still tasted great.
Soooo … do you have Masterchef in your country, and if so do you like watching it? Would you like to be a contestant on this show or would you run a mile at the mere suggestion like I would?
A lighter blueberry & white chocolate cheesecake in a glass
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 ounces ginger cookies I used ‘ginger nuts’ which are perfect, but use any other type of cookie if you can’t find these
- 7 ounces light cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 7 ounces good quality white chocolate plus a little extra for grating
- 9 ounces blueberries
- ground ginger optional
Instructions
-
Crush the cookies either in a food processor (or by putting them in a plastic bag and hitting them with a rolling pin like I did!)
-
Using a handheld mixer
(or in a food processor), whisk the cream cheese, yoghurt and vanilla together.
-
Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water or in a microwave in 30-second bursts. Let it cool slightly then whisk it into the cream cheese & yoghurt mixture until smooth.
-
Put about a tablespoon of cookie crumbs in the bottom of a glass or sundae bowl, then top with a tablespoon of cheesecake, a tablespoon of blueberries and a light sprinkle of ginger and grated white chocolate. Add a second layer of each component, finishing with blueberries, more ginger and more grated white chocolate.
-
Chill until ready to serve.
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Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
these look very Master Chef worthy! I once stuck my head over the shoulders of people at a market in France and the eels I saw moved! I nearly wet myself. I wonder if I would have been able to cook them from live? The Australian show is amazing and I cannot wait for the season you are watching to get here 🙂
Helen says
Thanks for the compliment, Tandy! Fancy doesn’t always mean complicated, thank goodness! That must have been so scary to see those eels wriggling … ugh! In the East End of London there are ‘jellied eel’ shops. The eels are served cold in jelly … they sound horrible but are apparently quite tasty. Hmm … I’m not so sure I’d like to try some to find out!
Eva says
J’aime beaucoup ton cheese-cake déstructuré ! Je crois que t’auras pu gagné masterchef ! J’adore la présentation, j’aura aimée acheté le même verres que toi, ils sont ravissants ! Personnellement, j’ai préfère le desserts comme ça, un peu déstructuré, c’est plus fun !
Helen says
Tu as raison que c’est plus fun de faire les desserts un peu destructurees, Eva! C’est la premiere fois que je l’essaie, mais je l’adore! Tu est trop gentille de dire que je pourrais gagner Masterchef … hahahaha!
P.S. Les verres sont adorables, mais malheureusement ils apartiennent a ma belle-mere!
Jess says
Loving these! Cheesecake in a glass is one of my favourite desserts! Love the blueberries, white chocolate and the ginger biscuit base- super delicious! Can’t wait to try these! ☺️
Helen says
This was the first time I’d attempted cheesecake in a glass, but it certainly won’t be the last. I loved it! So glad you like it, Jess, and I do hope you try something similar some time!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
Ohh yes, there’s also Masterchef here. Not that I want to take part because fancy food is not my thing and besides that, I don’t have the talent or strength to cook snakes uuughhhhhhhhhh.
Food-blogging is way more suitable for me indeed!
These cheesecake glasses sound absolutely scrumptious Basically anything with the words “cheesecake” “white chocolate” and “blueberry” in the tittle is bound to be a favorite of mine ;–) xxx
Helen says
We are ‘blogging sisters’ then, Consuelo! 😉
So happy that you like the little cheesecakes. 🙂
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Hi Helen!
Back from vacation and I stumble upon your delicious chocolate cheesecake cups, yay! Blueberries are just in season here so the timing couldn’t be any better, will be picking soon! And like you said, this looks incredibly easy (and I know you do easy better than anyone else I know) but the creativity is always there. Wonderful. Love how you serve these in a glass.
Helen says
Thanks so much for the lovely complimentary comment (as usual!) Laura. Easy but creative is what I try to aim for, so it’s good to know that that’s the way my recipes are coming across. That’s wonderful that you have blueberries growing in your garden! I used frozen for this dessert I’m afraid as it’s winter here, although frozen were just fine. I hope you enjoyed your vacation – welcome back!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love the presentation of this cheesecake, Helen! And the white chocolate sounds heavenly in here, especially with the blueberries. What a great dessert for the summer!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Gayle. They turned out looking quite pretty, didn’t they? Even though it’s all just thrown in there, really! 😉
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
I can’t think of a better way to end the day. Looks delicious Helen!
Have a marvelous week!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Melanie! What a compliment!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Yummy individual desserts. I love that its a lighter version too. Delicious. Enjoy Australia 🙂
Helen says
Thank you, Kathy! I love cheesecake but it’s usually very heavy, so I thought I’d do something about that! 🙂
Karla says
omg Helen, they look amazing! I love the idea of making a lighter version, specially during summer. Mariana once made a cheesecake using ginger nuts and since then I´ve already tried to find it here in Germany, but it seems to be not that easy. Have to wait till I get the chance to fly to the UK =)
I wish you all the best in Australia and can´t wait to read about your impressions.
Helen says
Thank you, Karla! So glad you like the cheesecakes. If you can’t find Gingernuts in Germany, you could always just use something like Digestive biscuits or any other type of biscuit really, and then just sprinkle a little ginger on for a slight ginger taste.
Thanks for the good wishes, as well. Australia is good so far – hopefully I will post a traditional Australian recipe before I leave. 😉
cheri says
Hi Helen, these certainly look masterchef worthy to me, love your creation here. Also your pictures keep getting better and better. Hope Austrialia is being good to you!
Helen says
What a compliment, Cheri. Thank you! I feel like my photos are still a bit hit and miss, but I’ll let you into a secret. I always take a LOT of photos and choose the very best.
Australia is just fine, thank you, even though it’s winter (a rather pathetic winter really though with plenty of sun!)
[email protected] TheGastronomicBong says
Hats-off to the talent and spontaneity of the masterchef contestants.. they are simply amazing… Now back to these wonderful cheesecake.. absolutely delicious.. no hassle dessert.. I have never tried white chocolate and blueberry combination.. cant wait to try these… 😀
Helen says
Yeah, they are tough cookies alright! So glad you like the cheesecakes. Do try the blueberry and white choc combo – it’s great!
Ashley says
A psychologist to help the contestants cope?? Holy moly it must be intense! Not my cup of tea for sure 🙂
These cheesecakes sound awesome – I love how you put it all together. I’m not the biggest fan of making regular cheesecakes so these are totally my style!
Helen says
It’s really intense sometimes … I’d definitely need that psychologist! Thanks for the compliments on the cheesecake. I don’t mind making no-bake cheesecakes because they’re easier than baked ones, but I have to say this was even easier. Glad you them them!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I love watching cooking competition shows like that! It’s so inspiring! They’ll be given their ingredients, and I love to pause the show and try and think of what I would make. They usually think of something better.
This white chocolate cheesecake sounds delicious!
Helen says
That’s a great game – pausing the show and joining in! Maybe next time you should pause for longer and pop to the shops to get the ingredients and join in for real … haha! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This sounds amazing, especially for my mother who is a white chocolate fanatic! I also have dishes just like yours that I’ve been puzzling over how to use…. definitely on these cakes!
Helen says
Oh yes, give them a try, Medha. You could also try some ‘deconstructed’ banoffee pie, or anything else with a biscuit crust. 🙂
Zainab says
I need to start watching these cooking competition shows. I haven’t seen any but it sounds intense and they make good things. Love this white chocolate cheese cake!! So so simple and good!!
Helen says
You can definitely get ideas from them, but yes, it’s as intense as watching a good thriller sometimes!
So happy you like the cheesecake! 🙂
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
No Masterchef here, but I do watch it. I am sooo not cut out for those, I like to take my time and test and taste! These cheesecake glasses look fab!
Helen says
Thanks, Jessica! They are cute glasses, aren’t they? Unfortunately, they belong to my mother-in-law, but at least I can borrow them!
dina says
it looks delicious!
Helen says
Thank you, Dina!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Wow that is quite reaction. I’m not fond of snakes but perhaps the pressure of being on tv is too much. That alone would freak me out! Lovely cheesecake Helen and I always appreciate a lighter dessert! 😀
Helen says
Totally agreed … I would hate to be on TV, although I gather you’ve already done that! 🙂
[email protected] says
Skinny cheesecake?!! I am in!!
Helen says
Yay!!!!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
I ABSOLUTELY loveeee watching Masterchef Australia!!!! It is very very popular here in India, in fact, a lot more popular than our own version of Masterchef! I enjoy watching the Australian one a lot more because the Indian version is over-dramatized and often accompanied with toooo much of song and dance, which, quite frankly, is not required on a cooking show! The latest season of Masterchef Australia is going to be aired towards the end of July, so I CANNNNNOT WAIT! I agree with you 101 %. Hassle free cooking and baking is the best kind to enjoy with your friends and family over random conversations, just like this absolutely FANTASTIC cheesecake! I loveeeee white chocolate and combining it with ginger and blueberries sounds AWESOMEEEEE!!!
Helen says
Thanks, Samina! I’m finding Masterchef really addictive. At first I didn’t like it as much as the UK version, but now I think I like it better. Just the right amount of drama 😉
So happy you like the cheesecakes. For me, they’re definitely a keeper!
Joanne says
I would cry if an eel was placed in front of me as well! And I would NOT have been able to make smoked eel out of it. For sure not.
I’d much rather stick with the simply delicious things in life, like these cheesecakes! Can’t go wrong.
Helen says
Me too!!! (x3) 🙂
anna @ annamayeveryday says
I love Australian Masterchef, it is the best of all the various Masterchefs from around the World I have seen. Can’t wait for the current series, I guess the one you are watching, to be on here – pains me that we have to wait! Love your cheesecake, sweet, crunchy, tangy, fruity, fabulous!
Helen says
Yes, I’m hearing that other countries can watch the Aussie version but it comes much later. Ohhh … sorry about that! I would send it to you if I could 😉
Happy that you like the cheesecake!
Allison says
Oh my gosh Helen, I am addicted to Masterchef. I’m actually a little upset that I’m away from my tv this week and can’t tune in. I love it. I feel the same way though about putting themselves through all of that and the skill level is SO high. I can make home food, but I can’t make resto-quality dishes like they do. Those contestants have talent! Anyways, just glad I’m not the only one who tunes in. It is such great television!
These look just incredible. I love cheesecake anything and pairing it with blueberries really seals the deal for me. I also love a single-serving dessert as I don’t like to share this type of dish. hehe. Gorgeous recipe and photos!
Helen says
Ha! I pretty much hog the TV every night here in my mother-in-law’s house. I sit here all quiet hoping that no one wants to watch anything else! In fact, I’m watching right now … 😉
Thanks for the compliment on the cheesecakes. I’ve really developed a love for the subtle but distinctive taste of blueberries, so thought they would a perfect contrast against the white of the cheesecake.
P.S. You’re right, this is great for those who don’t like to share – definitely me included!
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
Cheesecake in a glass looks like a perfect dessert for me. I’ve never try it, but I soon soon 😉
Helen says
I hope you do try it, Olivia! I don’t think you’ll regret it!
Archana @ The Perfect Zest says
this is such an easy dessert and looks incredible.
so glad to have found your blog!
Helen says
Thanks so much, Archana. I just took a look at your blog, too, and love it. I’ll definitely be back. 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I love watching cooking contests but Masterchef is a bit too stressful for me. I know, I’m lame. Hehe. So I’d probably run far away rather than be a contestant on it.
I love love love cheesecake but let’s face it, I can’t eat it everyday, nor do I have the time to make it everyday. This little dessert solves that problem…light and easy. 🙂
Helen says
Don’t worry, I’m lame, too. So, so very lame! That’s why ‘hiding out on your own in the kitchen’ food blogging is perfect for me.
So happy that you like the cheesecake. I’m really excited that I’ve found a slightly lighter way to enjoy one of my favourite treats. 🙂
Annie @Maebells says
What a lovely little summertime dessert! I really love fruit desserts in the summer, everything is so fresh and flavorful this time of year! I am having a girls weekend soon and I am adding this to the menu!
Helen says
Oh, how exciting, Annie! Let me know what your friends thought (oh dear, I’m nervous now!) 😉
Fish Fingers for tea says
See, I’m fairly confident in the kitchen and not bad at thinking on my feet when it comes to ideas but there is no way I could take part in Masterchef, the thought makes me want to hide! Your cheesecakes look lovely though, I make something similar and it’s always a hit.
Helen says
That’s it, Sian, it’s being able to think on your feet! I’m not sure I’m so good at that. I prefer to sit and think for a while before committing myself. So happy you like the little cheesecakes. I’d never made anything like this before, but I’ll definitely be making them again!
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
What a great idea here and so adaptable with fruits and flavors in season! I, too, am in awe of those cooking contestant shows and wonder how they keep their wits about them. And, the creativity is to behold! I love simple recipes like this and I bet it tastes great! Pinning it for later!
Helen says
Thanks so much for pinning, Lori. Can you believe it, I’m actually watching Masterchef right now as I types … haha! The theme today is street food … brilliant!
Helen says
Oops, I meant ‘as I type’! 😉
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
I love desserts like this in a glass. So light and refreshing.
Helen says
Thanks so much, Norma!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oh I would be entirely too stressed out to be on a show like that too, Helen! I’ll take wearing sweatpants in the comfort of my own kitchen any day haha. I’d also take a glass or two of these lighter cheesecakes. I love the addition of ginger cookie crumbs (one of my favorite cookies!) and blueberries. I just happen to have picked up a big carton at the store yesterday with no recipe in mind. I think I’ve found it! 🙂
Helen says
Oh, how exciting! I hope you do get around to making these, Alyssa. I look such a mess when I’m running around cooking and photographing, anyway … I would scare all the viewers if I was on Masterchef! 😉
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
How gorgeous are these! My family would love them. Nothing like fresh berries and cheesecake!
Helen says
Aw, thanks, Jessica! Yup, I guess you can’t really go wrong with cheesecake and berries! So glad you like them! 🙂
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
I am so loving the ground ginger in this easy peasy cheesecake!
I think this dessert is most definitely master chef worthy! I haven’t watched it yet, but I have heard about it – and I would rather run a mile, heck I would rather run five miles than be on that show!
Helen says
I would rather run a hundred miles, Shashi! Hahaha! Thanks for the compliment on these cheesecakes, though. I think the Masterchef judges would slate them for being too easy, but that’s OK. 😉
Pam says
It looks pretty and so delicious.
Helen says
Thank you so much, Pam! 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Those shows stress me out! And I seriously can’t stand Gordon Ramsey, he’s just mean. But I am a huuuuge top chef fan. Gorgeous looking cheesecakes, love that they’re lightened up!
Helen says
Ahhh, is Gordon Ramsey a judge on the US Masterchef? I actually don’t mind him. His bark is definitely worse than his bite. He’s a big softy at heart … haha! Thanks for ‘liking’ my cheesecakes. I love cheesecakes, and would feel OK about having these a bit more often. 😉
Melanie @ Bon Appét'Eat says
Alright, I finally got the chance to answer your comment on my blog and come and see why I would love yours! Ahaha Helen, this is hilarious! I actually don’t follow ANY cooking show lol!
The show I applied for is Pressure Cooker with Jamie Oliver, from what I gathered it would be home cook teamed up with a celebrity chef! Stay tune 🙂
On another note, I love those individual cheesecake! I might do it when my mum will visit from France with some strawberries! I ll let you know if I do!
Helen says
That sounds so exciting, Melanie! Please do let us all know how your application goes. I love Jamie Oliver and actually he is one chef that I don’t think I’d be nervous around. I haven’t heard of that new show – sounds interesting!
So happy you like the cheesecake – I think it would work just as well with strawberries!
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I am going to tr these like you would not believe. You have all my favourite ingredients in this.
Helen says
Happy to hear it, Bintu! 🙂
Alessandra // the foodie teen says
I think I may be addicted to Masterchef! These look delicious – I swear things taste better in cute little jars!
Helen says
There’s no ‘think’ with me … I definitely am addicted!
Totally agree that things look more impressive in glassware. It’s a cheap trick but hey, if it works … 😉
Mary Frances says
I don’t think I would be able to handle the stress and pressure. It would take away the joy of cooking for me! I always love seeing what they come up with though; they are truly gifted. And, hey, a free psychologist! 😉
Mmm white chocolate was made for fruit. It balances out the sweetness and is gorgeous. Glass desserts are so fun for presentation and they are a lot easier to make!
Helen says
A free psychologist for bloggers would come in handy sometimes as well, wouldn’t it? Now there’s an idea … 😉
Glad you approve of the dessert, Mary Frances. I agree that the desserts in glasses idea is a keeper!
Lilli @ Sugar and Cinnamon says
How intense is Masterchef! Sometimes I fantasize about how fun it would be to try out and be a contestant but then I remember it looks like the most stressful, draining experience of their lives! These cheesecakes look so good. Especially that grated white chocolate…yuum!!
Helen says
yup! I am full of admiration for those people. So happy that you like the cheesecakes, Lilli. I really enjoyed making (and eating!) them.
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
I’m with you. I’d rather cook in my kitchen than on one of these shows. However, if I had my very own show, that may be a different story! 😉
This recipe would be great for an afternoon snack, here in this Florida heat. Anything that doesn’t require an oven to be turned on is a WIN in my book. Pinned. Hope you have a great weekend, Helen!
Helen says
Now there’s an idea. I think a show starring you would be great, Julie. I for one would tune in!
Thanks for the win and hope youhave a fabulous weekend, too.:-)
sherry from sherryspickings says
i met one of the brisbane contestants this year at my local cooking school. she said when she came back from masterchef she just lay in her bed for 3 weeks crying the entire time as it is so intense. i do not think i could handle the pressure!
Helen says
Oh, my goodness, really?! Someone cries at least once an episode, don’t they? But crying for 3 weeks … that’s so horrible! The thing is, whoever gets onto the show has already done really, really well so really they should be patting themselves on the back for 3 weeks!
Isadora @ She Likes Food says
I LOVE Masterchef! It is one of the few shows my husband and I enjoy watching together. He doesn’t like most of the food shows I watch, but thankfully he loves the food competitions! The only thing I hate is how mean the judges are to the contestants, at least in the US one. I also feel like a horrible cook when I watch that show, because they come up with such amazing dishes that I don’t think I would be able to cook.
Cheesecake is one of my favorite things ever! I could eat it all the time and I also love blueberries! I want this now!!!
Helen says
I think the shows are very different in different countries because they aren’t so mean in either the UK or Australia. I think the Australian show is definitely the most fun version. I know what you mean about feeling like a terrible cook when watching, as well. I couldn’t even come up with one acceptable idea under so much pressure (or at all!)
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
Perfect recipe to serve up to dinner guests! Love it!
Helen says
Thanks, Jessica! Yes, it would be great as a simple dessert when you’ve invited guests and you’re busy with the main course too. 🙂