Cheese In Cheesecake: The Ultimate Guide To Varieties

Cheesecake is a dessert that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It is typically made with a crumbly biscuit base and a creamy soft topping. The type of cheese used in cheesecakes can vary depending on the style and region. For example, traditional American-style cheesecakes often use cream cheese, while Italian cheesecakes may use ricotta or mascarpone. Other types of cheese used in cheesecakes include sour cream, quark (also known as curd cheese), and goat cheese. The choice of cheese can affect the texture, taste, and richness of the cheesecake.

Cream cheese

If you are counting calories, you could consider using Neufchatel cheese, a type of low-fat cream cheese, as the base for your cheesecake.

Sour cream

Cheesecakes are desserts that date back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires. While there are many different types of cheesecakes, they typically include cheese and cream.

Some recipes call for a sour cream topping, which can be added during the last few minutes of baking or after the cake has been chilled. The topping adds extra moisture and a tangy flavour to the cheesecake.

In terms of ingredients, a sour cream cheesecake typically includes cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The base is often made with graham crackers or digestive biscuits, which pair well with the creamy filling.

Overall, sour cream is a key ingredient in cheesecakes, adding tanginess, moisture, and a creamy texture to the dessert.

Italian cream cheese

Cheesecake is a dessert that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. While cream cheese is a standard ingredient in cheesecakes, there are many variations and alternatives.

> Mix 2 (8-ounce) packages of softened cream cheese and 1 (16-ounce) container of ricotta cheese together in a mixing bowl until well combined. Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix to combine. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and pour the mixture into a prepared pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.

Quark

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
• 14 TBSP [200g] butter (room temperature)
• 3 3/4 cups [850g] Quark (or Greek yogurt or pureed cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup [95g] cream of wheat
• Juice of half of one lemon (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325F/162C.
• Beat sugar, vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), and butter until light and fluffy.
• Add 6 eggs, two at a time. Mix on low.
• Add Quark (or Greek yogurt or pureed cottage cheese). Mix on low until well combined.
• Add cream of wheat and continue mixing on low.
• Add lemon juice and mix on low once more. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir a few times with a spatula to ensure everything is well blended.
• Pour the cheesecake batter into a prepared springform pan.
• Bake for about 70 minutes or until the top of the cheesecake is golden brown. Check the cheesecake after 60 minutes and bake in 5-10 minute increments until done.
• Let the cheesecake cool in the springform pan for a few minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan and then slowly release the springform pan.
• Let the cheesecake cool for several hours or overnight in the fridge. It will firm up as it cools.
• Serve plain, with fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or a side of freshly whipped cream.

Cottage cheese

However, cottage cheese has a high moisture content, so it should be strained before use to remove excess liquid. Blending the cottage cheese can also help to achieve a smoother consistency. Adding an equal amount of heavy cream to the blended cottage cheese will prevent the cheesecake from becoming too crumbly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 2 cups of cottage cheese
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Melt butter in an 8-inch square pan.
• Stir in graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Pat the mixture over the bottom and sides of the dish.
• In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, eggs, flour, lemon juice, vanilla, sugar, and salt.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
• Bake for 60 minutes, or until the filling is firm.
• Allow to cool completely before serving.

Frequently asked questions