Ambrosia Cheesecake

🍰 Ambrosia Cheesecake 🍰

Ambrosia cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the fruity goodness of ambrosia salad. This heavenly creation is perfect for those who love a fusion of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the details of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it! 😋👩‍🍳

📜 History:
Ambrosia cheesecake is a modern twist on two classic dishes: cheesecake and ambrosia salad. Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, while ambrosia salad is a 19th-century American creation. Combining these two culinary traditions likely happened in more recent times to create this decadent dessert.

🧁 Components:
To make Ambrosia Cheesecake, you’ll need the following components:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 packages (32 oz total) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Ambrosia Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups whipped cream
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Prepare Crust:

• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
• Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to create the crust.

3. Prepare Cheesecake Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy.
• Gradually add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing well after each addition.
• Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust.

4. Bake:

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.

5. Chill:

• Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Prepare Ambrosia Topping:

• In a separate bowl, fold together whipped cream, mini marshmallows, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, and shredded coconut.

7. Assemble:

• Spread the ambrosia topping over the chilled cheesecake.

8. Garnish:

• Decorate with maraschino cherries for an extra touch of sweetness and color.

9. Serve:

• Slice and serve your ambrosia cheesecake slices with a smile! 😊

⏰ Time Needed:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Baking: 45-50 minutes
• Chilling: 4 hours or overnight

In total, you’ll need around 5-6 hours to prepare and serve this delightful Ambrosia Cheesecake. It’s worth the time and effort for a heavenly dessert that combines the best of both worlds! 🍰🍍🍊

Here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of Ambrosia Cheesecake:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal
• Total Fat: 30-40 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-150 mg
• Sodium: 250-350 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Ambrosia Cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert. Enjoy it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

2. High in Calories and Fat: This dessert is high in both calories and fat, primarily due to the cream cheese and butter used in the recipe. Be mindful of your portion size.

3. Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is relatively high, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels if consumed excessively. Limit saturated fat intake in your overall diet.

4. Sugar Content: Ambrosia Cheesecake is sweetened with sugar, contributing to its high sugar content. Excessive sugar consumption may lead to health issues, so consume it sparingly.

5. Protein: While it contains some protein from the cream cheese and eggs, it’s not a significant source of protein. Consider pairing this dessert with a protein-rich meal if you’re looking to balance your nutrient intake.

6. Calcium: Cheesecake provides a decent amount of calcium, thanks to the cream cheese. Calcium is essential for bone health.

7. Fiber: This dessert has minimal dietary fiber. Consider incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet to support digestive health.

8. Sodium: The sodium content may vary depending on the ingredients used, but it’s generally moderate. Be cautious if you’re on a low-sodium diet.

9. Indulgent Treat: Ambrosia Cheesecake should be seen as an indulgent treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Enjoy it on special occasions or as an occasional dessert.

Remember that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used, so it’s a good idea to calculate the exact nutritional content if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.