Baked vs Unbaked Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a beloved dessert worldwide, typically made from a mixture of eggs, sugar, and soft cheese. The base of a cheesecake consists of a crust made from various ingredients, such as sponge cake, crushed cookies, pastry, or graham crackers. Cheesecake can be topped or flavored with fruits, whipped cream, nuts, chocolate, or fruit syrup, and is available in both baked and unbaked versions.
What is a Baked Cheesecake?
A baked cheesecake consists of a cheese, sugar, and egg mixture over a crust of cookie crumbs or sponge cake, and is baked either in a water bath or an oven. Baking in a water bath helps to evenly distribute heat, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Baked cheesecakes are typically dense, smooth, and velvety. The New York style cheesecake is a popular example of a baked cheesecake.
What is Unbaked Cheesecake?
Unbaked cheesecake, also known as chilled cheesecake, is not baked but simply refrigerated. This type of cheesecake does not contain eggs, flour, or other thickening agents that help with baking, but instead uses gelatin. Unbaked cheesecakes have a custard-like texture and are often light and airy. They are particularly popular in Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland.
Key Takeaways
- Baked cheesecake is baked in a water bath or an oven, while unbaked cheesecake is chilled in a refrigerator.
- Baked cheesecake contains eggs and flour to help set the cake, while unbaked cheesecake typically uses gelatin instead of thickening ingredients.
- Baked cheesecake has a dense and velvety texture, whereas unbaked cheesecake is light and airy.
