Kamil Perry
There are several types of cheese that can be used in cheesecakes. The most common is cream cheese, which is mostly used in traditional American-style cheesecakes. Italian cheesecakes are often made with ricotta, a common filling for pasta. Other types of cheese used in cheesecakes include mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese with a higher fat content than American cream cheeses, and quark, a crumbly and creamy dairy product used in Germany and other European countries.
What You'll Learn
Cream cheese
When making a cheesecake with cream cheese, you can either bake it or make a no-bake version. Baked cheesecakes typically include eggs and are baked in a springform pan. No-bake cheesecakes, on the other hand, often include whipped cream and are chilled in the fridge to set.
In addition to cream cheese, some people like to add other types of cheese to their cheesecakes, such as ricotta or mascarpone, to enhance the flavour and texture. However, cream cheese remains the most commonly used cheese in American-style cheesecakes.
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Ricotta
When making a ricotta cheesecake, it is important to first drain the cheese to remove excess liquid. This can be done by placing the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with paper towels and letting it sit for several hours or overnight. This step is crucial in achieving the desired creamy texture.
The next step is to make the crust. A traditional graham cracker or biscuit base pairs well with the ricotta filling, but a crustless cheesecake is also an option for a more authentic Italian or Sicilian approach. For a unique twist, you can replace half of the crumbs with Italian amaretti or biscotti cookies.
To make the filling, beat together cream cheese, ricotta, and sugar until smooth. Then, add in the eggs, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and zest. For an even lighter texture, you can separate the eggs and whip the egg whites to soft peaks before folding them into the batter.
Baking the cheesecake in a water bath at a low temperature, such as 350°F/180°C, for around an hour, will help achieve an even cook and a creamy texture. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving, and consider topping it with fresh berries, figs, berry sauce, or chocolate ganache.
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Mascarpone
A typical mascarpone cheesecake recipe includes other ingredients such as cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice or zest, and eggs. The crust can vary, with options such as Graham Cracker Crust, Biscoff Crust, or a cookie crust made with ginger cookies or vanilla wafers.
The baking process for a mascarpone cheesecake involves preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing a springform pan. The crust is baked first, followed by the filling, which is then poured into the cooled crust. The cheesecake is baked until slightly jiggly in the centre and then cooled and chilled before serving.
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Sour cream
When making a cheesecake with sour cream, it is important to use full-fat or brick cream cheese, not reduced-fat or spreadable varieties, as these will not yield the same results in terms of texture and stability. Similarly, full-fat sour cream is recommended for the creamiest and richest outcome.
To ensure the best results when making a cheesecake with sour cream, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use room-temperature ingredients, especially the sour cream and cream cheese, as this will result in a smoother, creamier cheesecake. Chilled cream cheese can cause the filling to become lumpy. Secondly, a water bath is essential to creating a humid environment for the cheesecake to bake in, reducing the risk of cracks on the surface. Thirdly, it is crucial not to over-mix the cheesecake batter, as this can lead to deflation and cracking. Finally, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually and chilling it thoroughly before serving is vital to achieving the perfect texture and consistency.
By following these tips and using sour cream as a key ingredient, you can create a delicious, creamy, and perfectly balanced cheesecake.
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Quark
You can make quark at home with milk, buttermilk, and a bit of patience. It is also possible to buy quark in some mainstream shops, or from local cheese shops. If you are in the US, you can try Wünder Quark, which is available online and in some grocery stores.
If you can't get your hands on quark, you can use strained Greek yoghurt or pureed cottage cheese as substitutes. However, these alternatives will not give you the same fresh quark flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Cream cheese is the most common cheese used in cheesecakes, with Philadelphia being a popular brand choice. Other options include ricotta, mascarpone, neufchâtel, quark, and goat cheese.
Cheesecakes in Italy are often made with ricotta, which is commonly used as a filling for pasta. Italian cream cheeses like mascarpone have a higher fat content than American cream cheeses, resulting in a richer and creamier mouthfeel.
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in your cheesecake. Neufchâtel is a type of low-fat cream cheese that you can consider if you're counting calories.
