An easy 2-ingredient crust, a delicious 5-ingredient no-bake vanilla cheesecake, topped with a delicious homemade kiwi jelly for a burst of fresh fruity flavor. This kiwi cheesecake is such a great dessert combination!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180C).
If using graham cracker crumbs, mix together with melted butter in a bowl until you get a crumbly mixture that holds its shape when pressed between your fingers - add a little more butter if it's too crumbly. If using graham crackers, pulse them in a food processor until they turn to crumbs, then combine with the melted butter.
Press the graham cracker mixture into a 10-inch springform pan. Bake at 350F for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the vanilla cheesecake filling:
Combine ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon gelatin in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds, then let cool.
Whip the rest of the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form (until you have whipped cream).
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a mixer.
Fold the cream cheese mixture to the whipped cream and add vanilla extract.
Add the heavy cream + gelatin mixture to the cheesecake mixture and mix one last time until well combined.
Transfer this mixture on top of the baked crust and spread the mixture evenly using a rubber spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at at least 8 hours, or overnight.
Make the kiwi jelly cheesecake topping:
Blend 4 peeled kiwi in a food processor or blender until you have a puree. (Reserve the other 2-3 kiwis for decorating the cheesecake).
In a medium saucepan, combine the kiwi puree, ½ cupwater, 1 teaspoon agar agar powder, ½ cup sugar, and 2 drops food coloring (if using), and mix well. Heat over medium heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar and agar are dissolved.
Let cool for about 5 minutes. Stir to make sure the kiwi mixture hasn't settled to the bottom, then pour the kiwi mixture on top of the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Decorate with freshly sliced kiwis or other fruit.