There is even a Greek cheesecake recipe that dates all the way back to 5th Century BCE! While there are an endless amount of cheesecake recipes available today, they can be sorted into two easy categories - baked and unbaked cheesecakes. In the United States, its common to mostly see the baked variety. In fact, there are five different styles of cheesecakes that are frequently found within the fifty states.
To be able to fully understand the difference between the types of cheesecakes, you must have a solid understanding of the main base ingredients that are used. Generally, the "cheese" portion of the cheesecake consists of cream cheese, full eggs, and egg yolks. Different ingredients can be added to modify the taste, texture, and consistency of the cheesecake.
When it comes to New York style cheesecake, heavy cream or sour cream is added to the mixture to create a denser, smoother, and creamier cheesecake. A springform pan allows for even baking and a high temperature creates a nice, attractive golden brown crust. Once the cheesecake browns, the temperature is lowered to finish cooking.
Chicago style cheesecake includes the three main ingredients with just a bit more cream cheese in the batter. Baked in a greased pan, the outside of Chicago style cheesecakes get nice and firm while the inside stays creamy. Generally, this style of cheesecake is usually more fluffy in texture.
Pennsylvania Dutch style cheesecakes use a cheese with large curds and low water content, opposed to the classic cream cheese. Commonly baked in a square pan, the taste is more tart than other style cheesecakes but retains the well-known creamy texture. Unlike other cheesecakes where the fruit is placed on top, Pennsylvania Dutch style cheesecakes have the fruit baked in at the bottom!
Found mostly in traditional Italian bakeries, Roman style cheesecake is made with Ricotta cheese or mascarpone instead of cream cheese. The change in cheese causes this style of cheesecake to have a drier texture compared to other styles.
Country style cheesecakes are very similar to New York Style cheesecakes but the ingredient list includes buttermilk. The additional moisture helps create a firmer texture and a more acidic flavoring.
Does a New York Style cheesecake sound like a delicious treat right now? Have a birthday or event coming up that needs a celebratory dessert? Jonathan Lord Cheesecakes & Desserts is a national online bakery offering a variety of sweets, including delicious cheesecakes! Order New York style cheesecake today and you'll be able to enjoy it in no time at all! We ship anywhere in the United States!
