The Ultimate Cheesecake Showdown: Three Irresistible Recipes

Youtuber: Cooker Girl

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cookergirl.

The Ultimate Cheesecake Showdown: Three Irresistible Recipes

Cheesecake is one of those desserts that never fails to impress. Simple to make and universally loved, it can be customized in countless ways. Today, he compares his three favorite cheesecake versions, each with its unique twist.

### 🥧 No-Bake Cheesecake

**Ingredients:**

- **Crust:**

- Digestive biscuits (or any sweet biscuits you have)

- Melted butter

- **Filling:**

- Cream cheese (at room temperature)

- Ricotta cheese (softened)

- Sugar

- Lemon zest

- Vanilla extract

- Whipped cream (chilled)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:** Crumble the biscuits into fine pieces using a rolling pin within a sealed plastic bag or in a food processor. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.

2. **Form the Base:** Use a round metal ring and a sheet of acetate for perfect edges. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper just at the bottom. Pack the biscuit mixture evenly and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.

3. **Whip the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and ricotta with sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually fold in the whipped cream until you achieve a fluffy texture.

4. **Assemble:** Spoon the filling onto the prepared crust, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped. Smooth the top and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.

### 🍰 New York Style Cheesecake

**Ingredients:**

- **Crust:**

- Same as above (biscuits and butter)

- **Filling:**

- Cream cheese (at room temperature)

- Sugar

- Eggs (one for a smaller cheesecake)

- Sour cream (a unique twist)

- Lemon zest

- Vanilla extract

- Cornstarch

- Salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:** Make the crust as before, but this time pre-bake it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8 minutes.

2. **Blend the Filling:** Combine cream cheese and sugar, then gradually mix in eggs, followed by sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and sifted cornstarch. Don’t forget a pinch of salt!

3. **Bake:** Pour the filling into the cooled crust. To prevent cracks, lower the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F), and bake with a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack for a gentle steam effect.

4. **Cool:** Once baked, let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven, ensuring it remains flat and creamy on top.

### 🔥 Burnt Basque Cheesecake

**Ingredients:**

- **Filling Only:**

- Cream cheese (at room temperature)

- Sugar

- Eggs (one at a time)

- Vanilla extract

- Whipped cream

- A hint of flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)

**Instructions:**

1. **Mix the Filling:** In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Gradually add eggs, one at a time. Incorporate vanilla extract and finally, add whipped cream and a bit of flour, making sure there are no lumps.

2. **Prepare the Pan:** Line a cake pan with crumpled parchment paper, ensuring to reach the edges as this unique cheesecake does not have a crust.

3. **Bake:** Bake at a high temperature of 230°C (450°F) for about 30-35 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done.

4. **Cool Down:** Let it rest for a bit before serving. This cheesecake should have a caramelized top and a creamy, almost pudding-like interior.

### 🥄 Taste Test and Feedback

Following the preparation of these three delightful cheesecakes, they were judged based on consistency, flavor, and difficulty. Each cheesecake offered a unique experience, leading to lively discussions about which one reigned supreme.

In the showdown, the New York Style Cheesecake impressed with its textures and depth of flavor, while the No-Bake Cheesecake proved to be a wonderfully light option. The Burnt Basque Cheesecake stole the show with its beautiful presentation and creamy goodness.

Try out these recipes and see which cheesecake becomes your favorite!