Does Cheesecake have cheese as the name implies? What ingredients are responsible for its sumptuous flavor?
In the case of cheesecake, the name isn’t far from its key ingredient. Cheese is a major ingredient in every type of cheesecake.
Then, what type of cheese is used in making cheesecakes and why is it called cheesecake? Let’s take a look at these and more in this article.
The origin of cheesecake
Cheesecake first originated in Greece and later became popular with the Romans after the conquest of Greece. The Greeks called theirs “Plakouss” and served them to athletes to boost energy.
They pounded fresh cheese patties into a paste, mixed them with flour and honey, shaped them into rounds, and baked them on a heated stone.
The result was nothing like the delicious cheesecake we all know today but credit must go to the originators.
Conversely, the Romans named their “placenta” or “libum” and offered it to their gods in the temple. Placenta was baked on a pastry case or sometimes inside the pastry case.
Williams Lawrence paved the way for the modern cheesecake we know today. He created the first brand of cream cheese popularly known as the Philadelphia Cream Cheese in 1872.
In 1929, another man called Arnold Reuben mistakenly made the first cream cheese cheesecake that is now a hit today.
Is there cheese in cheesecake?
Just as the name implies, cheese is a major cheesecake ingredient. In the cheesecake recipe, cheese is a fresh, soft, and saltless filling.
The traditional cheesecake recipe uses soft cheese to achieve a fluffy texture.
What cheese is used in cheesecake?
The standard cheesecake recipe includes soft cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla essence. Here are the varieties of cheese used in cheesecake recipes:
1. Cream cheese
Cream cheese is the most common cheese used in cheesecake. It is fresh, soft, and extracted from cow milk and cream.
This cheese can also be made at home with milk and lemon juice for curdling the milk.
2. Ricotta
Ricotta is an Italian cheese made from the whey of sheep, cow, goat, or Italian buffalo milk. It is made from the watery liquid that is left over after cheese has been made.
Unlike cream cheese, ricotta requires reheating the leftover whey. The bits of curds that remain after reheating are called ricotta. The outcome is a soft, moist, and grainy cheese that’s white, saltless, and less tasty.
Ricotta is a healthier alternative to cream cheese because of its low-fat content. It can work for both baked and unbaked cheesecakes.
3. Quark or cottage cheese
Quark or cottage cheese is German cheese. Although different regions have a way of making it, the traditional method involves warming the milk until it curdles.
The cream is added later to adjust the fat content. Skimmed milk is the major ingredient used for quark cheese.
Germans stir the mixture while heating so the curds don’t form a lump. This gives the cheese a yogurt-like texture and taste.
4. Mascarpone
Another Italian alternative to cream cheese is mascarpone. It is very similar to American cream cheese. No wonder it is regarded as Italian cream cheese.
The process of making mascarpone is the same as cream cheese. But mascarpone is made with full-fat heavy cream only which is why it has a high-fat content.
Is cheesecake a cake?
Technically, baked cheesecake is a custard. The flour used in this cheesecake recipe is only needed to stabilize the mix.
The major recipe is dairy, egg, and sugar. That is why it does well when baked in a water bath, and becomes grainy when overbaked.
On the other hand, no-bake cheesecakes contain gelatin. If your definition of cake is something made with flour, egg, sugar, and other ingredients, then cheesecake wouldn’t be a cake.
Whatever the case, what matters is that cheesecake is a yummy dessert.
FAQs
Is Cheesecake a pie?
Cheesecake is not baked in a pie pan and is not topped with pastry. Therefore, it is not a pie.
Must you bake cheesecake?
No, you don’t have to bake cheesecake. No-bake cheesecake doesn’t involve baking.
What can you substitute for cream cheese in cheesecake?
Other tasty alternatives include ricotta, mascarpone, and cottage cream, among others.
Conclusion
Cheesecake is a creamy and sumptuous dessert with one or more layers. The thickest part of the layer is filled with fresh, soft, and unsalted cheese, as well as, egg, sugar, and pie crust.
The name certainly gives it away. So, yes, cheesecake has real cheese. The other ingredients in this tasty dessert are readily available.
You can indulge in making delicious cheesecake at home during the weekends.
Finally, cheesecakes are high in sugar. Therefore, you should eat them in moderation.
I hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading.
