When it comes to desserts, most people think of cake or brownies, because they're hugely popular. Today, though, we're talking about a particular cake: cheesecake. If you're interested, read on.
Cheesecake is every bit as popular as brownies or any other dessert. The combination of sweetness and cheese brings out a flavour everyone falls in love with. What's more, you can easily make it at home, whether or not you have an oven, because there are so many recipes that will make you say "wow". Popular cheesecakes right now include burnt cheesecake, Tom and Jerry-style cheese-wedge cheesecake, and simple fruit cheesecake. Today we'll show you a super-easy cheesecake that even people who have never cooked can make. Let's take a look.
The Story of Cheesecake
First, let's learn where cheesecake came from and how it came about. To find out, we need to go back to ancient Greece. In those days, the ancient Greeks lived on frugal meals made from wheat, olive oil and wine. Did you know the ancient Greeks were crazy about cheese? To them, giving cheese to their children was like giving a special gift. One of the earliest Greek cheeses was sheep's milk cheese, made very simply and kept in brine to stop the intense summer heat from spoiling it.
Another cheese, feta, has been produced for hundreds of years and is still a staple of the Greek diet today, although the name feta, from the Italian word "fetta" meaning "slice", wasn't used until the 17th century. Feta's mild flavour makes it extremely versatile: it's delicious in savoury and sweet dishes alike, and it can even be used to make cheesecake. This goes back to ancient times, when the Greeks made cheesecake for special occasions.
Today we're sharing a cheesecake recipe for anyone who wants to try making a dessert but doesn't know where to start. Let's see which cheesecake it is.
Burnt Cheesecake
The most popular cheesecake right now is burnt cheesecake: practically every cake shop and café sells it. Because it's so popular, today we're sharing an easy method anyone can follow. First, the ingredients.
Ingredients
- About 400 g cream cheese, at room temperature
- About 130 g sugar
- 3–4 large eggs (size 1)
- About 2 tbsp cornflour
- About 2 tsp vanilla powder
- About 3/4 cup whipping cream
- A 3-pound (about 8-inch) cake tin
Not as many ingredients as you expected, right? And the method is even easier than you imagine.
Method
- First, beat the cream cheese with the sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add the whipping cream and keep beating until thick and creamy.
- Add the cornflour and vanilla powder and fold in gently.
- Pour into a cake tin lined with baking paper and tap it gently; don't tap too hard.
- Bake at about 200°C for about 50–60 minutes, no longer. Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool before chilling it in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving.
- Cut into slices, put on a plate and enjoy.
Don't be put off by the method: give it a try and you'll be amazed by how delicious it is. In under 2 hours you can be enjoying cheesecake. Whether you make it to sell or for someone special, we're sure you'll love it.
