People all over the globe love cheesecake but what makes it so popular? Is it the creamy, dreamy texture? The wide variety of flavors? The fact that you can dress it up or down for any occasion?
You might be thinking, “Who cares why cheesecake is popular? I just want to eat it!” But understanding the reasons behind its popularity can help you appreciate this classic dessert even more.
There are many different theories about why cheesecake is so popular. Many people believe that the reason for its popularity dates back to ancient Greece, there is a common belief that it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games.
Others say that it was a popular dessert in medieval England. No matter its origin, people all over the world love these mouth-watering desserts.
So, what makes cheesecake so special?
The answer is simple: it’s delicious! Cheesecake is the perfect combination of sweet and rich, with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
You can experiment with endless flavor combinations, from classic strawberry cheesecake to more creative flavors like pumpkin spice or key lime. And it can be dressed up or down for any occasion, making it the perfect dessert for any time of year.
Let’s take a look at its history and its modern-day popularity to better understand its popularity.
Ancient Greece
It all started with Aegimus, a Greek physician credited with being the first to create a cheesecake recipe. His version was a simple mixture of cheese and wheat flour, baked in an oven.
The Greeks believed that cheesecake had medicinal properties and served it to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. The cheesecake was also a popular offering at temples, where it was given to the gods as a sign of respect.
Global Phenomenon
Cheesecake is now a global phenomenon, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. In the United States, people prefer to have their cheesecake with toppings, such as strawberries, blueberries, or chocolate sauce.
In Japan, green tea-flavored cheesecake is popular. And in Italy, ricotta cheese is used to make a lighter version of the dessert. No matter where you are in the world, there is sure to be a cheesecake recipe that you will love.
But what made this dessert so popular in the first place? Now that we know about the history of cheesecakes it’s time to take a closer look at some of the reasons why cheesecake is one of the most loved desserts in the world.
Creamy, dreamy texture
The creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake is one of the main reasons for its popularity. The smooth, rich filling and fluffy crust are a perfect match. Moreover, the wide variety of flavors means that there is a cheesecake for everyone.
Wide variety of flavors
As we mentioned before, one of the reasons for cheesecake’s popularity is the wide variety of flavors that are available. Whether you like your cheesecake plain or with a fruity topping, there is sure to be a flavor that you will love.
Can be dressed up or down for any occasion
What makes cheesecake so versatile is that it can be tailored to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party or a simple snack to enjoy with your family, cheesecake is the perfect choice.
If you have read till here then you have an in-depth understanding of the history of cheesecake, as well as its modern-day popularity. Now, it’s time we talk about the types of cheesecakes.
Types of Cheesecakes
Mainly there are two types of cheesecake: baked and unbaked. The ingredients for both types of cheesecakes are generally the same, with the main difference being that unbaked cheesecakes do not require baking.
Baked cheesecakes usually have a higher ratio of cream cheese to other ingredients, resulting in a richer flavor. The proportion of other dairy products such as sour/heavy cream is higher in the Unbaked cheesecakes.This results in a lighter, fluffier texture.
There are also several different variations of cheesecake, such as:
New York-style cheesecake:
Undoubtedly the most popular type of cheesecake in the United States, New York-style cheesecake is rich and dense with a cream cheese base. It is usually baked in a springform pan. New York-style cheesecake is the standard by which all other cheesecakes are judged!
Philadelphia-style cheesecake:
A combination of cream cheese and sour cream is used for making Philadelphia-style cheesecake. It is lighter in texture than New York-style cheesecake and is not baked.
Italian-style cheesecake:
The main ingredient used for making Italian-style cheesecake is ricotta cheese. It has a light and fluffy texture, the most enjoyed flavor of this cheesecake is lemon and orange.
Japanese-style cheesecake:
People love the cotton-soft texture of Japanese-style cheesecake. It is made with a combination of egg whites and cream cheese, resulting in a soufflé-like consistency.
Conclusion
This was all about the history of cheesecake and the different types of cheesecakes. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it has whetted your appetite for cheesecakes. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out some of these cheesecakes! You’ll be glad you did.
