Andy Montoya
Cheesecake is a dessert that typically contains soft, fresh cheese, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta, along with eggs and sugar. While cheesecakes usually incorporate soft cheeses, some recipes do include harder, aged cheeses like cheddar. This combination of cheddar and cream cheese creates a unique savoury tang that complements the dessert's sweetness. The addition of cheddar offers a distinct twist to the traditional cheesecake, providing a balance of sweet and savoury notes that has gained popularity among cheese enthusiasts.
Does Cheesecake Have Cheddar Cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Soft fresh cheese (cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, ricotta, mascarpone, Neufchâtel) |
| Other Ingredients | Eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, sour cream |
| Crust/Base | Crushed cookies, digestive biscuits, graham crackers, pastry, sponge cake |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy |
| Flavors | Vanilla, spices, lemon, chocolate, pumpkin, fruit, nuts, chocolate syrup, etc. |
| Baking Time | 1 hour |
| Cooling Time | 30 minutes in the oven, then 30 minutes with the oven door open |
| Refrigeration Time | Minimum of 4 hours or overnight |
| Serving Temperature | Chilled |
| Variations | New York-style, Japanese, South African, Basque, Italian, Swiss, British |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheesecakes typically contain soft, fresh cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta
- Baked and unbaked cheesecakes are the two primary types
- A New York-style cheesecake uses a cream cheese base
- A cheesecake can be made without baking by combining cream cheese, sugar, flavouring, and milk or gelatin
- A cheesecake is usually served chilled
Cheesecakes typically contain soft, fresh cheeses like cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta
Cheesecakes are typically made with soft, fresh cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta. They are also made with other ingredients like eggs, sugar, and sour cream. The base or crust is usually made from crushed cookies or digestive biscuits, graham crackers, pastry, or sometimes sponge cake.
There are two main types of cheesecakes: baked and unbaked. The baked variety is made by combining cream cheese, sugar, and flavourings with whipped topping or milk and gelatin. The unbaked type, also known as New York-style or Jewish-style cheesecake, uses a cream cheese base. This style of cheesecake was made famous by establishments such as Reuben's Restaurant and kosher-style Jewish deli Lindy's in the 1920s and 1930s.
Cheesecakes can be made in a variety of ways, with different styles based on region. For example, a popular variant of cheesecake in South Africa is made with whipped cream, cream cheese, gelatin, and a buttered digestive biscuit crust. It is not baked and is sometimes made with Amarula liqueur. This variant is similar to British cheesecake.
Cheesecakes can also be made without cheese, such as the Basque cheesecake, which is composed of burnt custard and has no crust. Another example is the Japanese cheesecake, which is made with butter, sugar, and eggs, and has a wobbly, airy texture.
While it is uncommon to find desserts made with harder, aged cheeses, there is a recipe for a cheesecake that uses cheddar cheese for a savoury tang. This cheesecake has a creamy sweetness with a crisp, buttery biscuit crust. It is baked in the oven for one hour and then left inside for another 30 minutes as the oven cools down. It is then left to chill in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Baked and unbaked cheesecakes are the two primary types
Cheesecakes are primarily of two types: baked and unbaked. The former is a classic method of preparing the dessert, while the latter is a modern take on the traditional recipe.
Baked Cheesecakes
Baked cheesecakes are prepared using a springform pan, which is placed in a water bath in the oven. The water bath is prepared by placing the springform pan in a roasting pan filled with hot water. This method helps the cheesecake bake slowly and evenly, reducing the risk of cracks on the surface. The springform pan has removable sides, allowing the cheesecake to be safely released without flipping the pan. However, it is essential to use a high-quality springform pan to prevent leaking.
The filling for a baked cheesecake typically consists of cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and eggs. The cream cheese and sugar are mixed until smooth and creamy, followed by the addition of the remaining ingredients. It is crucial to avoid over-mixing the batter to prevent deflation and cracking during cooling. The crust for a baked cheesecake can be made with graham crackers, butter, and sugar. Pre-baking the crust is recommended to maintain a crisp texture.
Unbaked Cheesecakes
Unbaked cheesecakes, also known as no-bake cheesecakes, are a convenient alternative that does not require oven time. This method is especially useful during warm weather or when the oven is unavailable or crowded. Unbaked cheesecakes are also easier to prepare, as they eliminate the risk of over-beating eggs, over-baking, or under-baking associated with traditional baked cheesecakes. The filling for an unbaked cheesecake typically includes cream cheese, sugar or condensed milk, and flavourings such as vanilla and lemon. The cream cheese is beaten to a silky and smooth consistency, and the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks to achieve a thick and creamy texture. The crust for an unbaked cheesecake can be made with graham crackers, butter, and sugar, similar to the baked version. However, it is essential to chill the unbaked cheesecake for several hours or overnight to allow the filling to set properly.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Both baked and unbaked cheesecakes offer a variety of flavour and ingredient combinations. For example, some recipes incorporate chocolate, peanut butter, blueberry, pumpkin, lemon, caramel, or Amaretto. Additionally, cheesecakes can be paired with a range of toppings and sides, such as fresh berries, fruit compotes, whipped cream, or nuts.
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A New York-style cheesecake uses a cream cheese base
Cheesecakes are a beloved dessert, with many variations existing across the globe. While some recipes incorporate different types of cheese, a New York-style cheesecake uses a cream cheese base. This style of cheesecake is known for its dense, rich, and creamy texture, which is achieved through the use of full-fat cream cheese. The cream cheese provides a tangy flavour and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
A New York-style cheesecake typically includes a combination of cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, salt, eggs, and sour cream. The cream cheese is mixed with the sugar and flour until smooth, and then the remaining ingredients are added and combined. This creates a thick and creamy batter that sets and bakes into the iconic New York-style cheesecake.
The cream cheese used in this style of cheesecake is of utmost importance. It is recommended to use high-quality, full-fat cream cheese, such as the well-known Philadelphia brand. Lower-fat alternatives will result in a less rich and creamy outcome. The cream cheese is the star of the show, providing the majority of the flavour and texture.
Additionally, the process of baking a New York-style cheesecake is just as important as the ingredients. It is essential to use a water bath, which involves placing the cheesecake pan in a larger roasting pan filled with hot water. This method creates a humid environment, preventing the cheesecake from drying out and cracking. It also ensures even and gentle baking, resulting in a perfectly creamy and dense texture.
While a New York-style cheesecake uses cream cheese, there are also variations that incorporate other cheeses. For instance, a unique twist on the classic cheesecake is the use of cheddar cheese in the filling. This creates a savoury tang that pairs interestingly with the sweet dessert. However, for a traditional New York-style cheesecake, cream cheese remains the cheese of choice.
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A cheesecake can be made without baking by combining cream cheese, sugar, flavouring, and milk or gelatin
While cheesecakes are typically baked, it is possible to make a cheesecake without baking. This can be done by combining cream cheese, sugar, flavouring, and milk or gelatin.
The cream cheese should be at room temperature so that it is soft enough to blend without leaving lumps. Full-fat cream cheese is best for flavour and texture. The sugar used should be a fine sugar, such as confectioner's sugar, rather than granulated sugar, to achieve a smooth texture.
The flavouring can be vanilla extract, lemon juice, or another ingredient of your choice. Lemon juice will add a slight tang without making the cheesecake taste like lemon. The gelatin, meanwhile, will help the cheesecake to set and slice cleanly. To prepare the gelatin, sprinkle it over lukewarm water and wait for it to swell. Then, melt the mixture in the microwave until it is liquefied but not hot.
Some recipes also include heavy cream, which can be whipped to stiff peaks and folded into the mixture for a sliceable, custardy texture. This can be used in place of gelatin. A graham cracker crust can also be made by mixing crushed graham crackers and melted butter. This crust does not need to be baked.
Cheesecakes can also be made with other types of cheese, such as ricotta, mascarpone, Neufchâtel, cottage cheese, parmesan, or feta. However, these are typically soft, sweet cheeses rather than hard, aged cheeses. A rare exception is a savoury cheesecake, which may include aged cheddar cheese. The cheddar flavour can be paired with a creamy sweetness to create a balance of sweet and savoury notes.
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A cheesecake is usually served chilled
While there are many types of cheesecakes, from New York-style to Japanese, and even a rare Cheddar cheesecake, there is one thing that remains constant: a cheesecake is usually served chilled.
Cheesecake is a dessert that is typically made with soft, fresh cheese, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta. It also includes eggs and sugar. The dessert may be baked or unbaked and usually needs to be chilled before serving. In fact, some cheesecakes need to be chilled overnight before serving, to allow the dessert to set.
The process of making a cheesecake is quite simple, but it requires careful baking and slow cooling. The dessert is then chilled in the fridge to finish setting. This process transforms the cheesecake into a velvety, creamy, lush dessert.
While the basic ingredients of a cheesecake are soft, fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar, there are many variations to this classic dessert. For instance, a New York-style cheesecake uses a cream cheese base, while a Japanese cheesecake is made with cream cheese, butter, sugar, and eggs, and has a wobbly, airy texture. A British cheesecake is similar to a South African variant, which is made with whipped cream, cream cheese, gelatin, and a digestive biscuit crust.
One of the more unusual variations of the classic cheesecake is a Cheddar cheesecake. This cheesecake has a sweet cheddar filling with a buttery biscuit crust. The cream cheese and sour cream in the filling add to the creaminess, while the cheddar gives it a savoury tang. This cheesecake also needs to be made in advance and chilled overnight before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheesecakes are typically made with soft, unaged cheeses such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, or ricotta. It is rare to find a dessert with a harder, aged cheese. However, there are recipes for cheesecakes that use cheddar cheese, creating a sweet and savoury flavour.
A classic cheesecake is made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a crust or base made from crushed cookies or digestive biscuits.
To prevent a cheesecake from cracking, you can add cornstarch or flour to the batter, bake the cheesecake in a water bath, or cool the cheesecake slowly.
A cheesecake should be chilled for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight.
