Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake

Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45-50 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Cheesecake is a classic dessert loved by many for its creamy texture and rich flavor. This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Greece. The recipe has evolved over time, with different variations and flavors being added to create the perfect dessert. This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake recipe combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist to create a truly heavenly dessert.

Ingredients

1 tbsp graham cracker crumbs
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
16 oz (454 g) softened light Philadelphia brand neufchatel cheese
0.67 cup sugar
2 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tbsp skim milk
0.25 cup almond extract

How to prepare

Lightly grease the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Sprinkle with crumbs.
Dust the bottom and remove any excess crumbs.
Place cottage cheese in a blender container and cover; process on high speed until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer, combine cottage cheese, neufchatel cheese, sugar, and flour.
Mix at medium speed until well blended.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Blend in milk and extract; pour into the pan.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center is almost set (the center of the cheesecake appears to be soft but firms upon cooling).
Loosen the cake from the rim of the pan and cool before removing the rim of the pan.
Chill.
Top with fresh slices of strawberries or blueberries, if desired.

Variations

Prepare the pan as directed, but omit the blender method.
Place the cottage cheese in a large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat the cottage cheese at high speed until smooth.
Add the neufchatel cheese, sugar, and flour. Mix at medium speed until well blended.
Continue following the remaining instructions as directed.
Add a swirl of raspberry or caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake before baking for a burst of flavor.
Mix in crushed cookies or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and heavy cheesecake.

- Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Use a water bath while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator to set properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular cream cheese instead of neufchatel cheese for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Top the cheesecake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese, neufchatel cheese) and nuts (almond extract), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake is a delicious and indulgent treat that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake is a decadent and delicious treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this cheesecake is the perfect dessert for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and catching up on each other's lives. Margaret suddenly got up and rummaged through her recipe box, pulling out a tattered piece of paper with the words "Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake" scrawled across the top.

She handed it to me with a knowing smile, saying that it was a family recipe passed down through generations. Intrigued, I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions. The rich cream cheese filling, the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the sweet strawberry topping all seemed to beckon me to try it out.

Margaret noticed my interest and offered to teach me how to make the cheesecake. She explained that the key to a perfect cheesecake was patience and attention to detail. As we started gathering the ingredients and preheating the oven, Margaret shared the story of how she learned to make this delectable dessert.

She told me that the recipe originally belonged to her great-grandmother, who was a renowned baker in their small town. Every Sunday, her great-grandmother would bake a cheesecake to bring to church potlucks and family gatherings. The dessert was always a hit, with people raving about its creamy texture and heavenly taste.

Margaret's grandmother had learned the recipe from her mother and passed it down to Margaret when she was a young girl. Margaret fondly recalled spending hours in the kitchen with her grandmother, watching and learning as she whipped up the cheesecake batter and carefully arranged the strawberry topping.

As we mixed the cream cheese, sugar, and eggs together, Margaret stressed the importance of not overmixing the batter. She explained that too much air in the mixture could cause the cheesecake to crack while baking. I nodded in understanding, eager to learn the secrets of creating a flawless dessert.

After pouring the smooth batter into the prepared crust and popping the cheesecake into the oven, Margaret and I sat down to enjoy a cup of tea while we waited for it to bake. The sweet aroma of vanilla and cream cheese filled the kitchen, making our mouths water in anticipation.

As the cheesecake cooled on the counter, Margaret showed me how to make the strawberry topping. She carefully sliced fresh strawberries and simmered them with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until they formed a thick, glossy sauce. The vibrant red color of the strawberries against the creamy white cheesecake was a sight to behold.

Finally, it was time to taste the fruits of our labor. Margaret cut a generous slice of the cheesecake and placed it on a delicate china plate. The first bite was pure bliss – the velvety smoothness of the cream cheese filling, the buttery crunch of the crust, and the burst of sweet-tart strawberries all melded together in a symphony of flavors.

I couldn't believe that I had created such a masterpiece with Margaret's guidance. She smiled at my expression of pure delight and said, "Now you have the recipe for Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake, just like my great-grandmother did all those years ago."

From that day on, the Heavenly Dessert Cheesecake became a staple in my own kitchen. I would bake it for special occasions, family gatherings, and just because. Each time I made it, I would think back to that sunny afternoon in Margaret's kitchen, where I learned the art of creating a truly heavenly dessert. And I would be forever grateful for the gift of this treasured recipe passed down through generations.