NATIONAL CHERRY CHEESECAKE DAY
April 23rd recognizes the food holiday National Cherry Cheesecake Day. Cookbooks and bakers offer a large variety of recipes for cherry cheesecake. Some cherry cheesecake recipes call for the cherries to be mixed into the batter and others place the cherries on top.
#CherryCheesecakeDay
This smooth dessert hits the spot when the end of the meal rolls around. While most cakes have a crumb, cheesecake’s texture is nothing like cake. Indeed, its creamy, thick pudding-like character comes from the soft cheese used as the main ingredient. Depending on the recipe, either cream cheese or cottage cheese is used. When the cheese is mixed with sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, the batter is added to a crust.
When making cheesecake, one of the most common crusts used is a graham cracker crust. Other options include a cookie crust, pastry or sponge cake. However, some cheesecakes are crustless. Depending on the recipe, cheesecakes may be prepared baked or unbaked.
Cherries on their own offer a bounty of nutrients. For example, the antioxidants in this red fruit protect cells from damage. Because cherries pack an anti-inflammatory punch, they may help reduce the risk of heart disease, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE CHERRY CHEESECAKE DAY
- Eat a slice of cherry cheesecake.
- Bake your favorite cherry cheesecake recipe.
- Get the family involved and share your results, too!
- If you’re looking for a cheesecake recipe, try this one: Cherry Cheesecake recipe.
- Give your favorite bakery a shout-out.
- Share your cherry cheesecake photos on social media using #CherryCheesecakeDay.
NATIONAL CHERRY CHEESECAKE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of the cake holiday.
Cheesecake FAQ
Q. Why are cheesecakes baked in a water bath?
A. A water bath is a method of baking a cake that allows for even and slow baking. The steam will create a lighter, more even cheesecake, too. Creating a water bath is easy. Place the cake pan in another oven-safe dish. Fill the pan with water up to the lip of the cake pan.
Q. Can I bake a cheesecake in a convection oven?
A. Yes. Baking cheesecakes in a convection oven is just one way. Be cautious about overbaking. The water bath is still essential to perfect cheesecakes with this method of baking. Another kitchen appliance you can use for making delicious and perfect cheesecakes is a pressure cooker. Since pressure cookers require water to build up pressure, they are an ideal method to use. Finally, no-bake recipes provide the opportunity to make quick and easy cheesecakes for a dessert in a pinch.
Q. Can I use fresh cherries to make cherry cheesecake?
A. Yes. Fresh, frozen, or canned cherries can be used to make cherry cheesecake.