Vanilla Cheesecake Squares with Wine Gelée

Recipe Date: January 22nd, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)

Vanilla Cheesecake Squares w/ Wine Gelée

From Pastry Tales

Ingredients

For the crust

1 cup vanilla animal crackers, crumbs
5 – 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

For the cheesecake

12 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek Yoghurt
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For wine gelée

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons red wine
2 tablespoons hot water
5 tablespoons sugar

Directions

For the crust

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 8×8 square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving 2 sides hanging over the edges.
In a blender or food processor, mix the animal crackers until they look like fine crumbs. Then, put the crumbs into a bowl and add the melted butter and sugar. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Make sure that you spread it evenly.
Bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool on a wire rack.

For the cheesecake

In a bowl of a stand up mixer, beat the cream cheese for about 3 minutes. Then, add the yoghurt and condensed milk. Mix it well for about 2-3 minutes.
2.- Add the egg, flour, vanilla extract and salt. Mix until well combined 2-3 more minutes.
3.- Pour cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the filling is set.
4.- Let it cool to room temperature on a wire rack and then chill it in the fridge for about 2 hours.

For the wine gelée

1.- After a couple of hours, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of wine and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2.- In another small bowl, stir in sugar and hot water. Add the sugar water into the wine gelatin mixture, mix well until the gelatin is completely melted. Add the reminaing wine and cool the mixture to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
3.- Finally, pour the wine mixture on the top of the cooled vanilla cheesecake bars. Refrigerate overnight and serve next day.
4.- I cut mine in 16 squares. Enjoy!!

For the perfect pairing to this sweet dessert, explore our selection of Sweet Wines in Napa Valley.

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Serata Sangria

By castellodiamorosa • July 3, 2026

Recipe Date: April 30, 2026 Difficulty: Easy Measurements: Imperial (US) Serving: 1 INGREDIENTS Serata Sangria 3 oz Serata wine 2 oz orange juice 2 oz pineapple juice Fresh grapes & blackberries, halved Splash of sparkling water Ice Additional Garnish (Optional) Fresh herbs for garnish (mint or basil work beautifully) DIRECTIONS For the Serata Sangria , chill all ingredients for at least a half-hour before preparing. Pour into a 10oz glass (or combine servings into a pitcher) : the Serata wine, orange juice, and pineapple juice. Add a handful of the fresh grapes and blackberries for a burst of natural sweetness. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes so flavors can mingle. Add ice and top with a splash of sparkling water for a crisp finish, then garnish with fresh herbs. Stir gently and serve immediately. This easy sangria recipe balances citrus brightness with subtle sweetness, while the sparkling water keeps it light and refreshing. The addition of fresh fruit and herbs enhances both aroma and flavor, making it an ideal summer wine cocktail or brunch drink . Enjoy & Cheers!