American Cheesecake
The American cheesecake, or New York cheesecake, is an iconic dessert with a creamy texture and rich flavor that has won the hearts of many. This cream cheese cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to festive meals or simply to indulge yourself on the weekend.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 240 g digestive biscuits (popular types can also be used)
- 125-150 g melted butter
For the filling:
- 1 kg cream cheese (we recommend the Pilos brand from Lidl)
- 200 g sour cream (with a high fat content)
- 3-4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 170-200 g sugar (depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 whole eggs
- 1 egg yolk
For baking the cake:
- Boiling water (about 1 liter, for the water bath)
The History of the American Cheesecake
Cheesecake has been consumed since ancient times, but the modern recipe we know today, with a biscuit base and fine cream cheese filling, was perfected in America. Its popularity especially grew in New York, where it became a symbol of luxury desserts. The American cheesecake is appreciated for its dense and creamy texture, which sets it apart from other cheesecake variations around the world.
Step-by-step preparation of the cheesecake
Step 1: Preparing the baking pan
Start by preparing the round baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it is well sealed. This will prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking.
Step 2: Preparing the crust
1. In a blender, crush the digestive biscuits until you achieve a fine consistency.
2. Add the melted butter and mix well until the mixture is homogeneous.
3. Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it is even and well-set.
4. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 190°C for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and mix on low speed until creamy.
2. Add the sour cream, sugar, whole eggs, egg yolk, cornstarch, and vanilla. Mix until homogeneous, being careful not to incorporate too much air into the mixture.
3. Remove the crust from the oven and pour the filling over it.
Step 4: Baking in a water bath
1. Place the cheesecake pan in a larger tray. Fill the tray with boiling water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the cheesecake pan.
2. Bake the cheesecake at 180°C for 40-42 minutes. The center of the cheesecake should be slightly soft while the edges are firm.
3. After 40-42 minutes, reduce the temperature to 160°C and bake for another 10 minutes.
4. Turn off the oven, but let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 40-50 minutes, slightly cracking the oven door after the first 10-15 minutes to allow steam to escape.
Practical tips for a perfect cheesecake
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous filling and prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking.
- Ingredient quality: Choose high-quality cheese, rich sour cream, and fresh biscuits for a perfect taste.
- Water bath: Baking in a water bath allows for even heat distribution, reducing the risk of cracking the cheesecake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did my cheesecake crack?
The most common reasons are the temperature of the ingredients, baking at too high a temperature, or lack of slow cooling after baking.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
It is recommended to use Philadelphia cheese or another similar cream cheese for the best results.
- How can I flavor the cheesecake?
You can add lemon or orange zest, melted chocolate, or fresh fruits to the cream mixture for a personalized touch.
Serving suggestions and variations
Serve the cheesecake with a berry sauce, caramel, or chocolate, or simply with a dollop of sour cream. You can add fresh fruit toppings, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, to add a touch of freshness.
Nutritional benefits
The cheesecake contains protein from cheese and sour cream, and the biscuits in the crust provide carbohydrates. However, it is important to consume this dessert in moderation, considering its sugar and fat content.
Try this American cheesecake recipe, and you will discover not only a delicious dessert but also a pleasant cooking experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it plain or with various toppings, this cheesecake will surely become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire!
Ingredients: For the base you need: 240 g digestive biscuits (the popular ones are also good) 125-150 g melted butter. For the cream: 1 kg cream cheese (I used a bucket of Pilos cheese from Lidl) 200 g sour cream (preferably as fatty as possible) 3-4 tablespoons cornstarch 170-200 g sugar (to taste) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 2 packets of vanilla sugar 3 whole eggs 1 yolk. For baking the cake you will also need boiling water (a larger amount, enough to cover halfway up the mold).
