Tag: cheesecake

The Tangled Webs We Weave

Did you know that the average person eats around eight spiders every year? This is a rough figure covering accidental consumption while sleeping, mind you, not taking into account cultures that relish their deep-fried tarantulas on a stick. Unsettling though that thought may be, I wonder if we could use some Halloween magic to make these statistics more palatable.

Tasty Transmogrification

What if we transformed those spiders into chocolate? Perhaps these arachnids could serve as surrogates to satisfy the spider-eating quota, or at least shift the balance. Daintily crawling across the delicate edible web baked into a soft, buttery cheesecake, this is a dessert that may haunt your dreams, but not your nightmares.

Enchanting All Five Senses

Perched atop a cocoa crust, the rich lemon cheesecake itself is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Bright, tangy, yet subtle and understated, the delicate dance of citrus and tart pomegranate is enhanced by a gentle hint of ginger. Smooth and luxurious, melting in your mouth and leaving behind a refreshing, almost ethereal aftertaste, the interplay of flavors is like a symphony, each note perfectly in tune.

Creepy Crawly Cuisine

An ideal centerpiece for any Halloween gathering, this understated yet arresting dessert is sure to impress your guests. If the unique design isn’t a sufficient conversation starter, you can always drop that fun fact about sleep-eating spiders for greater effect.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

Mango Memories

When is the right time for Mango Caramel Cheesecake Bars? I couldn’t begin to tell you; I’ve been hanging onto this recipe for a solid nine years and have yet to find that ideal window of opportunity. Naturally, I’ve long since forgotten why I made them in the first place or who I shared them with, but their memory remains. Like a ghost, barely visible in my mind’s eye, I can only faintly recall the rich, caramelized mango ribbon running through lightly sweetened cheesecake filling, a variation on the classic that’s both simple and stunning. It’s now or never, this recipe must go out.

Best Mango Cheesecake, Bar None

Destined for a fancy dinner party? Feeding friends at a casual potluck? They can be the star of the show or a graciously share the spotlight. The natural tart flavor of fresh mangoes works in concert with the tangy cream cheese filling, adding floral, tropical, and buttery notes when baked together harmoniously. Though decadent, they never feel heavy, thanks to the acidity of the fruit, complemented by the subtle taste of warm molasses.

Mango Caramel for Keeps

You don’t have to make the full dessert to enjoy this treat. Think of it like next level apple butter, slowly simmered until all the flavors and sugars are concentrated. It takes a while, but can also be made well in advance. The only danger with that is you may be tempted to spread it all on toast before preheating the oven.

Timeless Treats

My mistake was thinking that there was a just one season, or holiday, or mood for making such a treat. In reality, they’re always welcome at the table.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)2 Comments

Watch the World Burn

It’s the contrarian in me, but I must admit, I love a recipe that’s meant to go wrong. Flawed by design, it tells you right in the title that it won’t turn out according to standard procedure. Burnt Basque Cheesecake has been high on my list for just that reason. Baking to golden brown perfection is not the goal here: You want to push it further, right over the edge of the cliff into dark, smoldering, ashes.

Okay, the results aren’t that dire, but the top is definitely edging into “blackened” territory, which I usually take as a euphemism for being exceedingly overcooked. It’s a good thing, in this case, to stand back and watch the world burn- Or at least, the contents of your springform pan. That darkly lacquered surface contains volumes of flavor, intense and arresting, like the slightly bitter edge to properly caramelized sugar. It takes the bite out of strong sweetness, creating harmonious balance throughout the dessert.

Inside lies soft, tender custard, gently tangy like any proper cheesecake filling. If anything, the extreme external heat keeps the center even more pillow-like, cooking it to the bare minimum necessary to set and slice. It’s not a classic beauty, but quite possibly the best kind of cheesecake, for those who care more about flavor than shallow aesthetics.

Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat and immolate your hard work in that fiery oven. This particular baptism by fire isn’t a painful lesson to learn.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments

Now Schmear This

Turn any day into a special occasion with little bite-sized cheesecakes, every bit as rich and luscious as a thick slice but quicker, easier, and ideal for a more intimate gathering. In fact, with these beauties on tap, I wouldn’t hesitate to throw a party for one.

I was lucky enough to snag an early sample of Treeline’s new cream cheese and it was love at first schmear. The cashew-based spread is very creamy and smooth, with a finish that tastes clean, buttery, and definitely rich. The flavor is on point; mild, delicately nuanced, both subtly savory and sweet at once. Easily one of the best options on the market so far, no matter your dietary preferences.

It’s not a dead-ringer for dairy, but quite possibly even better. Beyond slathering it on bagels and toast, it works perfectly in recipes. In fact, it excels in baking since there aren’t any additives, stabilizers or gums. Nothing but pure creamy indulgence here in these mini cheesecakes, from crust to cream topping.

Even if you can’t track down the brand, don’t sleep on these tried-and-true classic treats. Get the recipe details over at GoDairyFree.org and celebrate the everyday, any day.

Hannah (BitterSweet)4 Comments

A Cheesecake for the Ages

Now synonymous with New York, the Americanized cheesecake as we know it has only been around for about a century, beginning life a mere shadow of the dense and rich dessert it became. In fact, cheesecake originated sometime around 1500 BCE, from the hands of inventive ancient Greeks and Romans, frequently used as offerings to the gods. This rendition merely combined soft cheese with flour and baked it into submission; pastry bases only emerged sometime in the first century, with sweeteners joining into the mix shortly thereafter. From that point forward, there was no stopping it. Today it might look like the explosion of cupcakes or other trendy food crazes, but of course, without the aid of social media, the cheesecake’s popularity spread at a glacial pace. Eventually reaching the hands of more creative bakers, various cultures developed their own unique approaches, utilizing various cheeses, flours, spices, and eventually, fruits and chocolates. We’ve come a long way, baby.

I’d like to think that the evolution of the cheesecake isn’t yet over. There’s still so much left to explore through the medium of tangy cream cheese perched atop a cookie-like base. In fact, going by that very loose description, why does it need to be a full-fledged cake at all? Can’t we bring it back from the edge of decadence and debauchery, back a bit closer to it’s more humble, less saccharine beginnings? I’m not suggesting we whip up a batch of salty cheese nuggets, but just consider a cheesecake fit for everyday eating, perhaps with a few nutritional benefits to speak of.

I bristle at the overused turn of phrase, but it really is true; you can finally have your cheesecake and eat it, too! Re-imagined for the 21st century, the illustrious dessert has been stripped of all its highfalutin’ frippery and restored back to its original brilliance, suitable for the commoner and the gods alike. Simple squares replace the traditional wedge, making a knife and fork unnecessary for enjoyment.

What’s not so plain to see is that underneath the hood, these luscious bars conceal a considerable dose of plant-based protein, furnished by vegan strawberry protein powder. Simultaneously bolstering the structure of this snack and contributing volumes of fresh, fruity flavor, the powder’s inherent sweetness considerably reduces the need for added sugar. Remarkably flavorful, it really nails the flavor of ripe strawberries simmered down into a rich spread, condensed into a satisfying, wholesome package.

Oh, and most importantly of all, did I mention that the finished treats taste amazing? Sure, these brilliant little squares may be a far cry from what the ancient Greeks and Romans had in mind when they first invented the concept, but let’s be honest; they couldn’t even dream up a treat this heavenly, even if it was the food of the gods.

Yield: Makes 12 – 16 Bars

Strawberry Protein Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Protein Cheesecake Bars

Healthy enough to pass for a balanced breakfast but still as rich and creamy as a full-fledged dessert, these protein cheesecake bars make no compromises for flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

Oatmeal Cookie Crust:

  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Water
  • 1/4 Cup Coconut or Dark Brown Sugar, Firmly Packed
  • 3/4 Cups Quick-Cooking Oats
  • 1/2 Cup White Whole Wheat or All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

Protein-Packed Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

  • 1 1 12-Ounce Package Extra-Firm Silken Tofu
  • 1 (8-Ounce) Container Vegan Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Vegan Strawberry Protein Powder
  • 1/3 Cup + 1/4 Cup Strawberry Jam or Preserves, Divided
  • 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with aluminum foil. Lightly grease and set aside.
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, water, and sugar in a medium-sized bowl before adding in the remaining dry ingredients for the crust. Stir well to combine and form a cohesive but slightly crumbly dough. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pans; using lightly moistened hands, press it into the bottom of your pan so that it’s in one even layer. Bake 15 – 18 minutes until lightly browned and let cool.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by first draining the tofu of any excess water before tossing it into your food processor or blender. Puree thoroughly until completely smooth. Add in the cream cheese and pulse to incorporate. Scrape down the sides and blend again, ensuring that no lumps remain before adding the protein powder, 1/3 cup of the strawberry jam, lemon juice, and vanilla. Blend thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the par-baked crust, and smooth out the top with your spatula. Tap it gently on the counter a few times to knock out any air bubbles. Take the remaining 1/4 cup of strawberry jam and spoon dollops all over the surface. Use a flat knife or spatula to gently marble and swirl the jam throughout, being careful not to disturb the crust underneath.
  5. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until the edges appear set but the center remains ever so slightly wobbly when tapped. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
  6. Let cool completely before moving it into the refrigerator, where it will continue to solidify until it can finally be sliced into bars, after a minimum of 4 hours.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.

© Hannah Kaminsky
Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies and Bars

Hannah (BitterSweet)15 Comments

Earthy Elegance

As an avid baker and dessert-lover, it may come as a surprise that the greatest indulgence I can think of is eating something sweet that I didn’t make myself. While I enjoy the process and crave the creative control that starting from scratch always brings, a truly decadent experience is one that doesn’t require any work. Although I always get exactly what I want when I make my own birthday cake, I must admit that there are times when I wish I could just sit back and relax, leaving the heavy whisking to someone else. That’s precisely where Earth Cafe comes in, online purveyors of fully prepared, ready-to-eat, raw, vegan cheesecakes. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of, especially for a vegan eater who grew up in the days of cardboard bran muffins being peddled as “dessert,” for lack of better options. Balancing out wholesome ingredients with decadent flavors, the result promises to impress all palates. There truly is a taste for everyone, and I was lucky enough to snag a bite of four popular flavors.

Impeccable, perfectly applied ultramarine stripes adorn the top of the Find Your Thrill on Blueberry Hill Cheesecake. Whole berries rest near the bottom, adding a punch of fresh, full-bodied berry flavor while the cheesecake base remains fairly plain. Lacking in typical cheesecake tang, I might describe it more as a somewhat firmer cream pie instead. It may be the most visually striking of the bunch, but I felt it left the most to be desired in tasting.

Pale, dusty pink and redolent of vanilla and berries, Strawberry Fields Forever Cheesecake bears a strikingly bright, fresh flavor, just as promised. More of a custard consistency than traditional cheesecake, the soft bite was perfectly silky-smooth and creamy. Incredibly rich, even I could only manage half a slice at most before reaching my limit, and I don’t mess around when it comes to the last course of a meal. Most regrettably though, it was stunningly, almost stupefyingly sweet. It comes as an initial shock to the system, tasting almost like a wedge of berry frosting at first taste, especially after a savory supper. For those who would rather a candy than a cake, this might just deliver exactly that sensation.

Things got much better from here on out. Adorned with graceful decorative swirls, Rockin’ Raspberry Cheesecake definitely had a rhythm and jive all its own. Super sweet raspberry flavor infused this slice, much like homemade jam. The intact raspberry seeds are actually a nice touch here, adding some textural interest and reinforcing the fresh, raw concept, all while managing to make themselves sparse enough to resist sticking in your teeth.

For me, the sleeper hit of the batch was the unassuming Who’s Your Daddy? Carob Mousse Pie. Slightly firmer in texture than the other slices, it isn’t some sad attempt at replacing chocolate, but a whole new world of flavor, complex and delicious in its own right. Tasting primarily of dates and caramel, with warm, woodsy notes reminiscent of chicory to round the whole slice out, it could convert a carob-hater with ease. All it needs is a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to really take this treat over the top.

Since I do work with dessert so often and have developed some strong opinions on the matter, I would definitely suggest that these assessments be taken with a pinch of salt (perhaps literally, too.) Your mileage may vary, especially when it comes to your level of preferred sweetness. The only way to find out for sure is to give Earth Cafe a taste for yourself! Enter the coupon code “SAVE15” at checkout to snag- You guessed it- a 15% discount off your order.

From one baker to many others, there is no shame in indulging in a prepared dessert, especially when it’s as good as any one of these luxurious slices.

These product were provided by the manufacturer free of charge for the sake of this review, but I was not paid for my time or opinions.

Hannah (BitterSweet)18 Comments