🍰 Anky’s Fave Basic Cheesecake 🍰
History:
The history of cheesecake dates back thousands of years to ancient Greece, where it was served at weddings and offered to athletes at the first Olympic games in 776 BC. However, the modern cheesecake, as we know it today, has evolved over time. The basic cheesecake recipe became popular in the United States during the 19th century, and it has since become a beloved dessert worldwide.
Components:
-
Crust: The crust is typically made from crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits, mixed with melted butter and sometimes a bit of sugar.
-
Filling: The filling is the star of the show and consists of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Some variations may include sour cream or heavy cream for added richness.
-
Topping: Cheesecakes can be served plain or with various toppings like fruit compote, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Steps to Prepare Anky’s Fave Basic Cheesecake:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Crush about 1.5 cups of graham crackers or digestive biscuits.
- Mix the crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter and a tablespoon of sugar.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
-
Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 packages (32 ounces or 900 grams) of cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add 1.5 cups of granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Finally, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until the batter is smooth.
-
Pour and Bake:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the springform pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is slightly jiggly.
-
Cool and Chill:
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for about an hour.
- Then, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
-
Add Toppings:
- Before serving, you can add your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, fruit compote, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream are all excellent choices.
Total Time Needed:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling and Chilling: 4 hours or more
So, in total, you can expect to spend approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes making and chilling Anky’s Fave Basic Cheesecake. But trust me, the delicious, creamy result is worth every minute of effort! 🍰😋
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical slice of basic cheesecake:
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, approximately 1/12th of a 9-inch cheesecake):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per slice.
- Total Fat: Around 30-40 grams.
- Saturated Fat: Typically about 18-25 grams.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-150 mg.
- Sodium: Around 300-400 mg.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: Usually very minimal.
- Sugars: Can vary, but often around 20-25 grams.
- Protein: About 6-8 grams.
Health Information:
- High in Calories: Cheesecake is relatively high in calories due to its cream cheese and sugar content. A small slice can contribute significantly to your daily calorie intake.
- High in Saturated Fat: The cream cheese used in cheesecake is a significant source of saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Moderate Sugar Content: Cheesecake contains sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes if consumed excessively.
- Low in Nutrients: Cheesecake is not a nutrient-dense food. It lacks essential vitamins and minerals.
- Portion Control: Due to its calorie and fat content, it’s advisable to enjoy cheesecake in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
- Customization: You can make slightly healthier versions of cheesecake by using low-fat cream cheese, less sugar, and whole-grain crusts. Adding fresh fruit as a topping can also provide some additional nutrients and fiber.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, so it’s essential to check labels or calculate the nutrition if you have specific dietary concerns. Cheesecake is undeniably delicious but best enjoyed in moderation for a balanced diet. 😊🍰