Spanish Cheesecake

Spanish Cheesecake Recipe - Rich and Delicious Cake with Blend of Spices, Buttermilk, Prunes, and Walnuts

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 8

Introduction

Spanish Cheesecake is a delicious and creamy dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in Spanish households.

History

The origins of Spanish Cheesecake can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where a similar dessert was made using cheese, honey, and wheat. Over the years, the recipe evolved and became what we know today as Spanish Cheesecake.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) cream cheese
3 tbsp butter
1.5 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp grated lemon rind
0.25 cup unbleached flour
0.5 tsp salt
confectioners' sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream the cheese, 1 tbsp of butter, and the sugar.
Do not beat the mixture.
Stir in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the cinnamon, lemon rind, flour, and salt; blend well.
Butter the pan with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter, using your fingers to spread the butter evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes.
Check if the knife comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Variations

Add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry sauce on top of the cheesecake before baking.
Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe.

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

- Use a water bath to prevent cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spanish Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Use a water bath to ensure even baking and prevent cracking.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sinking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies for the crust instead of flour.

- Substitute lemon rind with orange or lime zest for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Spanish Cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cheesecake with cocoa powder or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spanish Cheesecake with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spanish Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Cheesecake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish Cheesecake contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spanish Cheesecake contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spanish Cheesecake contains approximately 8g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Cheesecake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, butter, eggs) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Spanish Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Spanish Cheesecake is a classic dessert that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Spanish Cheesecake. The year was 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Barcelona. Maria was an incredible cook, and she loved to share her recipes with me. One day, as we were sitting in her cozy kitchen sipping on coffee, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook and flipped to a page that caught my eye.

"Ah, here it is," Maria said with a smile. "The famous Spanish Cheesecake recipe that has been in my family for generations."

I watched in awe as Maria began to gather the ingredients and explain the process to me. The simplicity of the recipe amazed me - just cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a touch of lemon zest. It seemed too good to be true.

As Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but think about all the memories we had shared over the years. From late-night chats over a glass of wine to impromptu dance parties in her living room, Maria had become like a second mother to me. And now, she was passing down this treasured recipe that would forever hold a special place in my heart.

The smell of the cheesecake baking in the oven filled the kitchen, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When Maria finally pulled it out and sliced a piece for us to try, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The first bite was pure bliss - creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet. The texture was unlike any cheesecake I had ever tasted before, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the next few days, Maria patiently taught me the ins and outs of making the perfect Spanish Cheesecake. She showed me how to beat the cream cheese until smooth, how to fold in the sugar and eggs just right, and how to infuse the batter with the perfect amount of lemon zest.

As I practiced the recipe over and over again, I began to put my own spin on it, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to make it my own. Each time I made the cheesecake, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

Years went by, and I continued to make Maria's Spanish Cheesecake for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions. Each time I served it, I would think back to that day in Barcelona when Maria first shared the recipe with me, and I would smile knowing that her spirit lived on in every bite.

As I grew older, I started to collect recipes from all over the world, each one telling a unique story and bringing back memories of the people who had shared them with me. But no matter how many recipes I tried, Maria's Spanish Cheesecake remained my all-time favorite.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the aroma of freshly baked cheesecake, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that Maria gave me all those years ago. Her recipe has become a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.

And as I take a bite of the creamy, tangy cheesecake that I have made so many times before, I know that Maria is smiling down on me from above, proud to see her recipe living on and bringing happiness to yet another generation. The joy of stumbling upon that recipe all those years ago still fills my heart, and I am forever grateful for the gift of Maria's Spanish Cheesecake.