Part of what makes cheesecake so widely loved is its ubiquity. Even beginner home bakers will have their own personal strawberry cheesecake recipe, in either a baked or no-bake preparation. As a result, people tend to have strong feelings about things they love, and if there’s a dessert that’s almost certain to start an argument, that dessert might be cheesecake. Almost everyone has their own opinion on every component of it. What kinds of toppings to apply (if any), what to make the crust out of, and even which cheese to use are all up for debate when it comes to this widely loved dessert. Even the method of preparation of the cheesecake itself is up for debate. Some people will only ever eat baked cheesecakes, while others swear that the no-bake variety is just as tasty. But which kind is superior?
To set the record straight, here’s everything you need to know about both varieties of cheesecake so you can decide for yourself.
Baked and No-Bake Cheesecake: What’s the Difference?
Aside from the obvious, there’s one crucial difference between baked and no-bake cheesecakes, and it has to do with stability. Because cheesecakes are made from cheese, a food which is notoriously difficult to handle and keep, an ingredient must be added to the cheesecake to keep it from melting all over the table during service. For baked cheesecakes, that ingredient is usually a few eggs, while for no-bake cheesecakes, some people use gelatin as a stabilizer.
Reasons for using these are obvious: in order to be safe to consume, eggs must be heated to a temperature of at least 144 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that any pathogenic bacteria in the egg is killed and won’t be transferred to humans. On the other hand, gelatin just needs to be melted in some hot water to easily incorporate it into the cheesecake mix. Once it’s been allowed to set, it’s perfectly stable for a long while, even at room temperature or a little warmer.
In terms of flavor and texture, there’s a big difference between the two cheesecake variants. Baked cheesecakes tend to have a richer, creamier texture. Also, because of the effects of heat on the cheese and sugar in the cake, baked cheesecakes tend to have a fuller, more robust flavor. In the case of a burnt Basque-style cheesecake, the cake itself will feature scorch marks and burns from the heat of the oven. These tasty, slightly bitter bits offer a flavor contrast that you simply won’t be able to get from a no-bake cheesecake.
This isn’t to say that no-bake cakes are inferior, however. First of all, no-bake cheesecakes are almost always served very cold, and because they’re lighter and less rich than baked cheesecakes, they’re perfect treats for beating the summer heat. No-bake cheesecakes with gelatin also have a slight jiggle or wobble to them. This creates a bite that’s a bit more satisfying than the custardy smoothness of a baked cheesecake. Finally, no-bake cheesecakes are more difficult to mess up than their baked counterparts. It’s very easy to accidentally leave a cheesecake to bake for too long or to fire it at too high a temperature. This will leave you with a curdled, burnt mess that no one will want to eat. By contrast, assembling a no-bake cheesecake is as simple as mixing up all the ingredients, then leaving it in the fridge or freezer overnight to set.
So Which Do I Choose?
As with most things, choosing the right cheesecake is simply a matter of preference. However, to simplify the choice, here are a few things to consider. Also, your preference will depend on whether you’ll be eating the cheesecake or preparing it.
If you’ll be preparing the cheesecake, choose a baked cheesecake if:
1. You have a good oven with even temperature all throughout, or at the very least, you know what your oven’s quirks are
2. You have experience baking with eggs and are confident that you can keep your cheesecake’s eggs from curdling
On the other hand, you may want to prepare a no-bake cheesecake if:
1. You don’t have an oven, or if the one you have access to has a thermostat that isn’t very reliable
You have limited experience baking desserts or are still learning proper baking techniques
2. If you’re going to be eating the cheesecake and not preparing it, you should definitely have some baked cheesecake if:
3. You’re ok with full, robust flavors
You like the contrast of bitter to sweet in your desserts
4. You don’t mind the flavor of charring
5. You want a smooth, creamy dessert that you barely have to bite into to consume
On the other hand, you’ll know that a no-bake cheesecake is for you if:
1. You like simple, clean flavors
2. You’re looking for something cool and refreshing
3. You like the sensation of biting into gelatin
When it comes to dessert, there are no right or wrong answers. Just go with what you enjoy and remember to share what you make!
Thank you very much for reading up mommies! Till next post!