4 Ingredient Cheesecake

Here’s a simple 4-ingredient cheesecake recipe that you can make without any baking!

4-Ingredient Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 pre-made biscuit base (9-inch size)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Whip the Cream:
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form. This can take 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Combine:
   Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Fill the Crust:
   Pour the cream cheese filling into the pre-made biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Chill:
   Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results, to let it set.
6. Serve:
   After chilling, your cheesecake is ready to serve! You can add toppings like fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired.

Enjoy your easy and delicious 4-ingredient cheesecake!

Cheesecake is a beloved dessert that has been around for centuries, known for its creamy, rich texture and sweet flavor. It’s made primarily with a combination of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, often set atop a crumbly crust made from graham crackers or digestive biscuits.

Origin of Cheesecake:

The history of cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece. In fact, the earliest known cheesecake recipe comes from Ancient Greece, around 2000 BCE. The Greeks made a form of cheesecake using honey, cheese, and flour. It was considered an energy-boosting food and was even served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE.

The dessert made its way to Rome after the Greeks, where the Romans adapted it by adding eggs and baking the mixture. The Romans also introduced the concept of using a crust, though it was more of a pastry than the crumb-based crust we see today.

When the Roman Empire spread across Europe, the cheesecake recipe also traveled. Over time, various cultures added their own twists. For example, in medieval Europe, cheese was often used in cheesecakes, and honey was a primary sweetener.

Evolution of Modern Cheesecake:

The modern version of cheesecake, especially the New York-style cheesecake, is often credited to Arnold Reuben, a New York deli owner, who is said to have created the recipe in the early 20th century. New York-style cheesecake typically uses cream cheese as the primary filling, resulting in a denser, richer texture.

In the 20th century, cheesecake recipes became more varied with the introduction of the no-bake version, where the filling is set by chilling instead of baking. This made cheesecake easier to prepare for home bakers.

Types of Cheesecake:

• New York-Style Cheesecake: A dense, rich cheesecake made with cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream. It’s often served with a berry or fruit topping and baked in a springform pan.
• No-Bake Cheesecake: A lighter, often fluffier cheesecake that doesn’t require baking, made with whipped cream or whipped topping.
• Japanese Cheesecake: Also known as “cotton cheesecake,” this version is light and airy, often made with cream cheese, eggs, and a chiffon-like texture.
• Chicago-Style Cheesecake: A variation that uses a cream cheese filling and a thicker, buttery, and crumbly crust.

Common Ingredients in Cheesecake:

• Cream Cheese: The main ingredient for the filling, giving cheesecake its signature creamy, tangy flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure to the filling, helping it set when baked.
• Crust: Usually made from crushed crackers, digestive biscuits, or even Oreos. Some variations use a flour-based pastry crust.

Serving and Toppings:

Cheesecake can be served plain, but it is often topped with various additions such as:

• Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
• Fruit compotes or sauces
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate ganache or caramel
• Nuts, like toasted almonds or pecans

Fun Fact:

Cheesecake has become a global favorite, with numerous regional variations, and is enjoyed by people of all ages as a rich and indulgent dessert for special occasions or just because!

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