Junior’s Famous Cheesecake 🍰
Description:
Ever wondered how to recreate the legendary Junior’s cheesecake at home? Look no further! This recipe, originally shared back in January 2002, captures all the decadence and flavor of Junior’s famous dessert. Despite being a labor of love, the end result is undeniably worth the effort. Picture layers of sponge cake and creamy cheesecake, perfectly balanced and utterly divine. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Servings: 12 slices
Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Calories: 538.2 per serving
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat Content: 36.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 20.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 188.8mg
- Sodium Content: 322.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 46.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 38.1g
- Protein Content: 7.9g
Ingredients:
Sponge Cake:
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
-
Prepare Sponge Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high for 3 minutes.
- Gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar while continuing to beat until thick and light-yellow ribbons form (about 5 minutes).
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Sift the flour mixture over the batter and stir until no more white flecks appear. Then, blend in the melted butter.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold 1/3 cup of the beaten egg whites into the batter, then fold in the remaining whites.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes, until the center springs back when lightly touched. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
-
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat 1 package of cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, and cornstarch until creamy.
- Add the remaining cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and beat in the remaining sugar and vanilla extract.
- Blend in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Finally, blend in the heavy cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling onto the cooled sponge cake layer.
-
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan in a larger shallow pan filled with hot water, about 1 inch deep.
- Bake the cheesecake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, or until the center barely jiggles when shaken.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate.
- Alternatively, leave the cheesecake on the removable bottom of the pan for serving.
- Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator for future indulgence.
Tips for Success:
- For best results, make the sponge cake layer a day ahead and store it covered overnight.
- When folding the beaten egg whites into the batter, be gentle to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Ensure all ingredients for the cream cheese filling are at room temperature to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Be cautious not to overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can lead to a dense texture.
- Chill the cheesecake for a minimum of 8 hours before serving to enhance its flavor and firmness.
With its rich, creamy filling and delicate sponge cake base, Junior’s Famous Cheesecake is a dessert masterpiece that’s sure to captivate your taste buds. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, each decadent bite is a reminder of the joy found in homemade treats. So go ahead, embark on this culinary adventure, and create a cheesecake experience that’s truly unforgettable!
