Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
- 24 oz (680g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 tbsp (15ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (8g) lemon juice
- 2 cups (300g) wild Montana huckleberries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30ml) water
- 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until fragrant and golden, then set aside to cool.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and aerated.
- Incorporate sour cream, vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time on low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.
- In a saucepan, combine huckleberries, 1/2 cup sugar, water, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water) and boil for 1 minute until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Drop spoonfuls of the huckleberry reduction on top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a larger tray of hot water (water bath). Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-65 minutes.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool slightly, then refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours before serving.