Randy Chandler
Cheesecake is a dessert that is made with soft fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar. The type of cheese used varies depending on the region and the baker's preference. Some common types of cheese used in cheesecakes include cream cheese, cottage cheese, quark or ricotta, mascarpone, and Neufchatel. The base or crust of the cheesecake is usually made from crushed cookies or digestive biscuits, graham crackers, pastry, or sponge cake. Cheesecakes can be baked or unbaked and are typically served chilled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Soft fresh cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, quark, ricotta, mascarpone, neufchatel, goat cheese |
| Base/Crust | Crushed cookies, digestive biscuits, graham crackers, pastry, sponge cake, crushed biscuit and butter, brownie, shortbread, digestive biscuit |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, whipped cream, salt, caramel, fruit, nuts, chocolate syrup, gelatine, butter, cocoa |
| Style | Baked, unbaked, chilled, frozen, no-bake, Jewish-style, New York-style, Chicago-style |
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What You'll Learn
Cream cheese
When making a cheesecake with cream cheese, it is important to ensure that the cheese is at the same temperature and texture as the other ingredients. The cream cheese is typically combined with sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, and then eggs are added to the mixture one at a time. This results in a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter. To prevent the cheesecake from deflating or cracking as it cools, it is crucial to avoid over-mixing the batter.
While cream cheese is a popular choice, it is worth noting that traditional cheesecakes from other regions may use different types of cheese. For example, Italian cheesecakes often use ricotta cheese, which has a soft, creamy texture due to its high moisture content. German cheesecakes may use quark, a type of fresh cheese similar to ricotta. In France, Neufchatel cheese, a slightly drier and less rich alternative to cream cheese, is commonly used in cheesecake recipes.
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Ricotta
To make a ricotta cheesecake, you will need ingredients such as eggs, sugar, butter, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla. The cheese is typically blended with these ingredients in a food processor until smooth, and then baked until set but still slightly jiggly in the centre.
Some recipes also include a combination of ricotta and cream cheese, which adds a subtle tang and contributes to a firmer texture. This combination is often used in Italian-inspired cheesecakes, resulting in a milder flavour and richer texture than regular cheesecakes.
Overall, ricotta is an excellent choice for making a delicious and creamy cheesecake with a light and airy texture.
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Mascarpone
When making a mascarpone cheesecake, it is important to ensure that the cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with other ingredients. The cheese is typically mixed with sugar and sometimes sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and eggs. The mixture is then poured into a prepared pan and baked. Some recipes call for a water bath to ensure even cooking. After baking, the cheesecake is chilled in the fridge to set.
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Neufchatel
When making a cheesecake with Neufchatel cheese, it is important to note that it has a higher moisture content than cream cheese. This results in a softer and creamier texture for the cheesecake. Additionally, Neufchatel has a milder flavour compared to cream cheese, so it may be preferred by those who want the creaminess without an overwhelming cheese taste.
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Cottage cheese
Cheesecakes are typically made with soft fresh cheese, and cottage cheese is a common choice. Cottage cheese is a key ingredient that provides structure and flavour to the cheesecake. It is a healthy alternative to cream cheese, and it is also high in protein. Cottage cheese cheesecakes are creamy, decadent, and delicious, yet still light. They are also easy to make and can be made in a blender or food processor.
A simple recipe for a cottage cheese cheesecake includes blending together one large whole egg, half a cup of cottage cheese, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, one tablespoon of a sweetener, one scoop of a flavoured protein powder, and one tablespoon of Greek yoghurt. This can be topped with sugar-free pudding, pumpkin, healthier pie fillings, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nut butter.
Some recipes also include flour or cornstarch, which helps to bind the filling and keep it creamy. Cinnamon is another popular addition, as are nuts, chocolate chips, and blueberries.
For those who prefer a crust, a biscuit base can be made from desiccated coconut, almond flour, and butter. Alternatively, a crust can be made from graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or crushed cookies.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheesecakes can be made with different types of cheese, including cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, Neufchâtel, quark, and cottage cheese.
Italian cheesecakes typically use ricotta cheese.
Cream cheese is commonly used in American-style cheesecakes and is also used in New York-style or Jewish-style cheesecakes.
Neufchâtel is a French cheese commonly used in European cheesecake recipes.
