Cheesecake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

The origins of cheesecake date back to ancient Greece, where it was served at the Olympic Games. Over the centuries, the dessert evolved and gained popularity in the United States, especially in New York, where the famous New York cheesecake was born. Today, cheesecake comes in various versions across the globe.

Ingredients 🛒

Listed in the order of use in the procedure:

For the crust:

• 200 g biscuits (such as speculoos or Graham crackers)
• 100 g melted butter
• For the cheese filling:

For the cheese filling:

• 600 g cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia)
• 150 g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 150 ml heavy cream

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs using a blender, then mix with the melted butter. Press this mixture into the base of a springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes to firm it up, then let it cool.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the flour, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, and mix until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the cheese mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 1 hour, or until the center is just set. Let the cake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to firm it up before serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• To prevent cracks on the top of the cheesecake, let it cool slowly in the turned-off oven. This helps avoid thermal shock.
• Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Add a berry, caramel, or chocolate sauce on top for an extra sweet touch.
• Replace the biscuit crust with chocolate biscuits or nuts for more flavor.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking takes about 1 hour at 150°C (300°F). This slow and steady process ensures an even set, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking. After baking, allow it to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This step helps minimize cracking and ensures a perfect finish. Once cooled, refrigerate for several hours or overnight to firm up before serving.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

The cheesecake pairs perfectly with an espresso, green tea, or mint tea.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve a slice of cake with a berry coulis, fresh berries, and a mint leaf for an elegant presentation.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

This Cheesecake provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cream cheese, contributing to bone health and muscle repair. However, its richness in fats and sugars makes it a treat to enjoy in moderation. The creamy and velvety texture of the cake comes from the high fat content, which also enhances its flavor. While it can be part of a balanced diet, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive intake of calories, saturated fats, and added sugars