Aside from the obvious, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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\u2019s been allowed to set, it\u2019s perfectly stable for a long while, even at room temperature or a little warmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of flavor and texture, there\u2019s 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\u2019t be able to get from a no-bake cheesecake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t to say that no-bake cakes are inferior, however. First of all, no-bake cheesecakes are almost always served very cold, and because they\u2019re lighter and less rich than baked cheesecakes, they\u2019re 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So Which Do I Choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll be eating the cheesecake or preparing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ll be preparing the cheesecake, choose a baked cheesecake if:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. You have a good oven with even temperature all throughout, or at the very least, you know what your oven\u2019s quirks are<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You have experience baking with eggs and are confident that you can keep your cheesecake\u2019s eggs from curdling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, you may want to prepare a no-bake cheesecake if:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. You don\u2019t have an oven, or if the one you have access to has a thermostat that isn\u2019t very reliable
You have limited experience baking desserts or are still learning proper baking techniques<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. If you\u2019re going to be eating the cheesecake and not preparing it, you should definitely have some baked cheesecake if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. You\u2019re ok with full, robust flavors
You like the contrast of bitter to sweet in your desserts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. You don\u2019t mind the flavor of charring
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. You want a smooth, creamy dessert that you barely have to bite into to consume<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, you\u2019ll know that a no-bake cheesecake is for you if:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. You like simple, clean flavors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You\u2019re looking for something cool and refreshing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. You like the sensation of biting into gelatin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you very much for reading up mommies! Till next post!<\/p>\n\n\n\n