Decadent German-Style Cheesecake
This delightful German-style cheesecake recipe has been passed down through my family, inspired by my Aunt's baking adventures in Germany. It's a harmonious blend of creamy texture and rich flavor that elevates it far above any store-bought version. One of the best things about this cheesecake is its versatility; while the classic version is simply irresistible, you can easily adapt it to your taste by incorporating different extracts, fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or toppings like fruit preserves. Despite its deliciousness, this cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make and hard to mess up, making it a perfect dessert for both novice and seasoned bakers. Allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature is crucial for achieving that velvety smooth consistency. While I've found it bakes beautifully in a glass 13x9 dish without cracks, springform pans can be temperamental. If using one, adding a dish of water to the oven can help reduce cracking, though it's not necessary. This cheesecake is best served chilled for a refreshing treat!
N/A
Servings
357
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (softened)
sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
egg
1 large (beaten)
flour
1 1/4 cups (all-purpose)
eggs
3 large (room temperature)
cream cheese
24 ounces (softened (3 packs))
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
milk
2 tablespoons (whole or 2%)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing the bottom.
2
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1 beaten egg until smooth and fluffy. Gradually mix in the 1 1/4 cups of flour until combined.
3
Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
4
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in 3/4 cup sugar, mixing well until fully blended.
5
Add eggs to the cream cheese mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then gently fold in the 2 tablespoons of flour, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
6
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (121°C) and continue baking for an additional 60 minutes or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
7
Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully chilled.
8
Serve the cheesecake cold, either plain or topped with your favorite fruits or sauces.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
23g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent German-Style Cheesecake?
It is a rich and creamy dessert inspired by traditional German baking, offering a harmonious blend of texture and flavor that is superior to store-bought versions.
What makes this recipe unique?
This is a family recipe passed down from an aunt's baking adventures in Germany, known for its versatility and foolproof preparation.
How long does it take to chill the cheesecake?
The cheesecake should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though leaving it in the fridge overnight is preferred for the best consistency.
Can I use a glass dish instead of a springform pan?
Yes, a 13x9 glass dish works beautifully and often helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for the initial baking stage.
How long do I bake the crust before adding filling?
The crust mixture should be baked for 5 minutes and then allowed to cool slightly before the filling is added.
Why is it important to soften the cream cheese?
Allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature is essential for achieving a velvety smooth, lump-free texture.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking in a springform pan?
Adding a dish of water to the oven while baking can create a moist environment that helps reduce the likelihood of cracks.
Can I add fruit to this cheesecake?
Yes, the recipe is very versatile; you can add fresh fruits, fruit preserves, or even chocolate chips to customize the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for novice bakers?
Yes, it is described as surprisingly easy to make and hard to mess up, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
What is the total amount of cream cheese required?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of cream cheese, which is equivalent to three standard 8-ounce packages.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
A total of 4 eggs are used: one large beaten egg for the crust and three large room-temperature eggs for the filling.
Can I use imitation vanilla extract?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of either whole milk or 2% milk.
At what temperatures is the cheesecake baked?
The cheesecake is first baked at 450°F for 10 minutes, then the temperature is reduced to 250°F for an additional 60 minutes.
How do I know when the cheesecake is finished baking?
It is done when the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
What kind of flour is used in the crust and filling?
All-purpose flour is used for both the crust (1 1/4 cups) and the filling (2 tablespoons).
Can I serve this cheesecake warm?
No, this cheesecake is best served chilled for a refreshing and firm treat.
What are some recommended toppings?
Recommended toppings include fresh fruits, fruit preserves, or sweet sauces.
How do I prepare the springform pan?
You should grease the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan before pressing the crust into it.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this German-style cheesecake contains approximately 357 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 24 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of protein.
How much sugar is in the crust versus the filling?
The crust uses 1/3 cup of sugar, while the filling requires 3/4 cup of sugar.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheesecake, german dessert, cream cheese, easy cheesecake, baking, dessert, family recipe, and versatile dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this recipe across the crust and the filling.
Is the crust made with butter?
Yes, the crust is made by creaming together 1/3 cup of softened butter with sugar and egg before adding flour.
When should I add the eggs to the cream cheese?
Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition.
Does the recipe require salt?
Based on the provided ingredients list, no additional salt is required for this recipe.