While many assume cheesecake originated in New York, it dates back much much further!
Over 4,000 years ago in the fifth century BC, the ancient Greeks on the island of Samos created the earliest known cheesecake. This rudimentary cheesecake was made with patties of fresh cheese that were then pounded smooth with flour and honey. The creation was then baked on an earthenware griddle before being enjoyed by the masses. Back then, cheesecake was considered a great source of energy and there is evidence showing it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Cheesecake was also popular as a wedding dessert!
During the late medieval ages in Europe, cheesecake transformed to include a pastry base in a tart form. The first English cookbook, written in 1390, included multiple variations of the cheesecake recipe that included eggs and various flavor profiles. For the next five centuries, almost every English cookbook included at least one cheesecake recipe, signifying the love the English people had for the delicious dessert!
Since the English loved their cheesecake, it is not surprising that the delicacy made its way to the American colonies. In the 1730s, Philadelphia became home to the "Cheesecake House" tavern! Martha Washington's prized and gifted cookbook features three different cheesecake recipes, one of which being a cheesecake without a crust. These recipes were also flavored with rosewater and other spices. In the 19th century, cheesecake recipes began to feature more subtle ingredients like lemon and vanilla.
In the 1930s, the basis of the Americanized cheesecake changed dramatically. Traditional curd cheese was phased out and replaced with cream cheese, creating a creamier, richer, and tastier treat. Thus, the cheesecake recipes were transforming and the New York cheesecake was born! One of the most famous cheesecake options, the signature and smooth taste comes from the extra egg yolks in the creamy cheesecake mix. By the 1900s, New Yorkers became obsessed with the dessert and virtually every establishment offered some variation of cheesecake on its menu. Today, restaurants and eateries are no different - almost everyone offers some type of cheesecake on their menu!
Does the history of cheesecake make you crave a delectably smooth slice? Whether you live on Long Island or elsewhere in the United States, order from Jonathan Lord Cheesecakes & Desserts! Our recipe has been perfected over the years and we use only the finest quality ingredients to create velvety smooth, rich, and creamy cheesecakes. For more information or to place an order, please don't hesitate to contact us today! We have countless flavors to choose from that can suit any pallet!
More than that,what makes NY style cheesecake different from other cheesecakes?
Cheesecake is a classic dessert that can be served for any occasion.
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!